Ust 2013 Golden Notes-civil Law (1) old version

CIVIL LAW 2013 GOLDEN NOTES UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW MANILA

The UST GOLDEN NOTES is the annual student-edited bar review material of the University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Civil Law. Communications regarding the NOTES should be addressed to the Academics Committee of the Team: Bar-Ops. ADDRESS:

TEL. NO.:

Academics Committee Team Bar-Ops Faculty of Civil Law University of Santo Tomas España, Manila 1008 (02) 731-4027 (02) 4061611 loc. 8578

Academics Committee Faculty of Civil Law University of Santo Tomas España, Manila 1008

All Rights Reserved by the Academics Committee of the Faculty of Civil Law of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines. 2013 Edition No portion of this material may be copied or reproduced in books, pamphlets, outlines or notes, whether printed, mimeographed, typewritten, copied in different electronic devises or in any other form, for distribution or sale, without a written permission. A copy of this material without the corresponding code either proceeds from an illegal source or is in possession of one who has no authority to dispose the same. No. 01 Printed in the Philippines, April 2013.

ACADEMIC YEAR 2013-2014 CIVIL LAW STUDENT COUNCIL VICTOR LORENZO L. VILLANUEVA MARIANE TINGCHUY RONN ROBBY ROSALES MARIE SYBIL TROPICALES RAFAEL LORENZ SANTOS LUIS ALFONSO E. ARTAIZ GLORIA ANASTHASIA LASAM

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT INTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL SECRETARY TREASURER AUDITOR PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

TEAM: BAR-OPS BIENVENIDO L. MABULAC II VICENTE JAN PLATON III APRIL V. ENRILE ERIKA PINEDA CARLO ARTEMUS V. DIAZ WILFREDO P. SUDIO JR. MHAE ANN V. RIVERA CLARABEL ANNE R. LACSINA VANNESSA ANNE VIRAY HAZEL M. NAVAREZ ARWIN V. CABANTING NATHANIEL LIBERATO

CHAIRPERSON VICE-CHAIRPERSON SECRETARY ASST. SECRETARY HEAD, FINANCE COMMITTEE ASST. HEAD, FINANCE COMMITTEE ASST. HEAD, FINANCE COMMITTEE HEAD, HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS COMMITTEE ASST. HEAD, HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS COMMITTEE ASST. HEAD, HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS COMMITTEE HEAD, LOGISTICS COMMITTEE ASST. HEAD, LOGISTICS COMMITTEE

ATTY. AL CONRAD B. ESPALDON ADVISER

ACADEMICS COMMITTEE ALJON D. DE GUZMAN MARK KEVIN U. DELLOSA ANTHONY M. ROBLES CLARABEL ANNE R. LACSINA RAFAEL LORENZ SANTOS JAMES BRYAN V. ESTELEYDES MARIA JAMYKA S. FAMA PAULINE BREISSEE GAYLE D. ALCARAZ ROBBIE BAÑAGA MONICA S. CAJUCOM DOMINIC VICTOR C. DE ALBAN OMAR DELOSO ANNABELLA HERNANDEZ MA. CRISTINA MANZO-DAGUDAG WILLIAM RUSSELL MALANG CHARMAINE PANLAQUE

CHAIRPERSON VICE-CHAIR FOR ACADEMICS VICE-CHAIR FOR LAYOUT AND DESIGN MEMBER, LAYOUT AND DESIGN TEAM MEMBER, LAYOUT AND DESIGN TEAM VICE-CHAIR FOR RESEARCH MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM MEMBER, RESEARCH TEAM

CIVIL LAW COMMITTEE MONICA S. CAJUCOM KENNETH JAMES CARLO C. HIZON KING JAMES CARLO C. HIZON NICOLE MARIE G. ATIENZA CONSTANZA B. BRILLANTES KIM APPLE S. CARVAJAL SAMANTHA FAE D. CHAN LISETTE A. MANDOCDOC EILYN E. MEDINA HAZEL M. NAVAREZ ANGELA MICHELLE A. PAGUIO TEFFANIE MARIE N. QUIBOD NARCISO G. REYES JR. Monique Eveleen V. Salazar RICHARD P. SARINO AILEEN U. TAMBANILLO BERNADETH S. YABON MARIA CARMELA C. YUMUL

CIVIL LAW COMMITTEE HEAD ASST. CIVIL LAW COMMITTEE HEAD ASST. CIVIL LAW COMMITTEE HEAD MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER

FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS ACADEMIC OFFICIALS ATTY. NILO T. DIVINA DEAN

REV. FR. ISIDRO C. ABAÑO, O.P. REGENT

ATTY. ARTHUR B. CAPILI FACULTY SECRETARY

ATTY. ELGIN MICHAEL C. PEREZ LEGAL COUNSEL UST CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTO CONCEPCION LEGAL AID CLINIC

ATTY. AMADO E. TAYAG SWDB COORDINATOR

LENY G. GADANIA, R.G.C. GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

OUR DEEPEST APPRECIATION TO OUR MENTORS & INSPIRATION DEAN AGUSTO ALIGADA JUSTICE OSWALDO AGCAOILI JUDGE PHILIP AGUINALDO ATTY. ENRIQUE V. DELA CRUZ JR. ATTY. PAOLO AMADO DIMAYUGA ATTY. IRVIN JOSEPH M. FABELLA ATTY. GREGORIO FERNANDEZ ATTY. ALDEN GONZALES ATTY. RENE GOROSPE ATTY. ELMER T. RABUYA ATTY. TEOFILO RAGADIO ATTY. CARLA SANTAMARIA--‐SEÑA ATTY. MAURICIO ULEP

For being our guideposts in understanding the intricate sphere of Civil Law. - Academics Committee 2013

DISCLAIMER THE RISK OF USE, MISUSE OR NONUSE OF THIS BAR REVIEW MATERIAL SHALL BE BORNE BY THE USER/ NON-USER.

CIVIL LAW EFFECT AND APPLICATION OF LAWS

Q: Are all laws required to be published?

Q: What is a law?

A: GR: Yes. Publication is indispensable.

A: In its jural and concrete sense, law means a rule of conduct formulated and made obligatory by legitimate power of the state (Diaz, Statutory Construction, p. 1).

XPNs: 1. Municipal Ordinances (governed by the Local Government Code) 2. Rules and regulations which are internal in nature. 3. Letters of Instruction issued by administrative supervisors on internal rules and guidelines. 4. Interpretative regulations regulating only the personnel of administrative agency.

Q: When did the Civil Code take effect? A: August 30, 1950 Q: When do laws take effect? A: GR: Laws take effect after 15 days following the completion of their publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

XPNs to the XPNs: Administrative rules and regulations that require publication: 1. The purpose of which is to implement or enforce existing laws pursuant to a valid delegation; 2. Penal in Nature; 3. It diminishes existing rights of certain individuals

XPN: unless it is otherwise provided by the law. (Art. 2) Note: If the law provided a specific date for its effectivity, it becomes effective only upon the lapse of said period following its complete publication and not before.

Note: If the law is not published, it shall not be effective. Nonpublication is a violation of due process.

Q. How is the 15-day period computed?

Q: Honasan questions the authority and jurisdiction of the DOJ panel of prosecutors to conduct a preliminary investigation and to eventually file charges against him, claiming that since he is a senator with a salary grade of 31, it is the Office of the Ombudsman, not the DOJ, which has authority and jurisdiction to conduct the preliminary investigation. DOJ claims that it has concurrent jurisdiction, invoking an OMB-DOJ Joint Circular which outlines the authority and responsibilities among prosecutors of the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsman in the conduct of preliminary investigations. Honasan counters that said circular is ineffective as it was never published. Is OMB-DOJ Circular No. 95-001 ineffective because it was not published?

A: The 15-day period may either be on the 15th day or on the 16th day depending on the language used by Congress in fixing the effectivity date of the statute. (Rabuya, p. 8) th

15 Day - If the law declares that it shall become effective “15 days after its publication” th

16 Day - If the law declares that it shall be effective “after 15 days following its publication” Q: What is meant by the phrase “unless it is otherwise provided” in the provision on effectivity of laws? A: The clause "unless it is otherwise provided" refers to the date of effectivity and not to the requirement of publication itself, which cannot, in any event be omitted. This clause does not mean that the legislator may make the law effective immediately upon approval, or on any other date without its previous publication. Note: Publication is indispensable in every case, but the legislature may in its discretion provide that the usual fifteen-day period shall be shortened or extended (Umali v. Estanislao, G.R. No. 104037, May 29, 1992, [citing Tañada v. Tuvera, G.R. No. L-63915, December29, 1986]).

A: No. OMB-DOJ Circular No. 95-001 is merely an internal circular between the two offices which outlines the authority and responsibilities among prosecutors of the DOJ and of the Office of the Ombudsman in the conduct of preliminary investigations. It does not contain any penal provision nor prescribe a mandatory act or prohibit any under pain of penalty. Further, it does not regulate the conduct of persons or the public, in general. As such therefore, it need not be published (Honasan, II v. The Panel of Investigating Prosecutors of the Department of Justice, G.R. No. 159747, Jun. 15, 2004).

Q: When will the law take effect if it is made to take effect “immediately” or “upon approval?

Q: What must be published in order to comply with the publication requirement?

A: It shall take effect immediately after publication. The 15day period after publication is dispensed with but publication is not. In cases wherein the law states that it shall be effective upon approval, it likewise becomes effective only after its complete publication and not immediately after its signing by the President.

A: Publication must be in full or it is no publication at all since its purpose is to inform the public of the contents of the law. The mere mention of the number of the presidential decree, the title of such decree, its whereabouts, the supposed date of effectivity, and in a mere supplement of the Official Gazette cannot satisfy the publication requirement. This is not even substantial

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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EFFECT AND APPLICATION OF LAWS compliance (Tañada December29, 1986).

v.

Tuvera,

G.R.

No.

L-63915,

A: An interpretative rule is designed to provide guidelines to the law which the administrative agency is in charge of enforcing xxx Whether an administrative rule is merely interpretative in nature, its applicability needs nothing further than its bare issuance for it gives no real consequence more than what the law itself has already prescribed. When the administrative agency goes beyond merely providing for the means that can facilitate or render least cumbersome the implementation of the law but substantially increases the burden of those governed, it behooves the agency to accord at least to those directly affected a chance to be heard and thereafter to be duly informed.

Q: Publication must be made in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. What is a newspaper of general circulation? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

It is published within the court’s jurisdiction Published at regular intervals for disseminating local news and general information. It has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers It is not devoted to the interest or published for the entertainment of a particular class, profession, trade, calling, race or religious denomination (Alvarez v. people, G.R. No. 192591, June 29, 2011).

The said orders cannot be viewed simply as implementing rules or directive measures revoking in the process previous rulings of past commissioners xxx The due observance of the requirements of publication should not have been ignored (CIR v. Lhuillier G.R No. 150947, 15 July 2003).

Q: A Local Budget Circular 55 issued by the DBM which reduced the monthly allowance given by Local Governments to RTC and MTC judges was questioned in this case. Petitioner judges filed a protest against the notices. Is the circular valid?

IGNORANCE OF THE LAW Q: What is the presumption of knowledge of laws?

A: LBC 55 is void on account of its lack of publication. Administrative rules and regulations must be published if their purpose is to enforce or implement existing law pursuant to a valid delegation. Interpretative regulations and those merely internal in nature, that is, regulating only the personnel of an administrative agency and the public need not be published. Neither is publication required of the so called LOIs issued by administrative superiors concerning the rules or guidelines to be followed by their subordinates in the performance of their duties (Judge Dadole v. COA, G.R. No. 125350, December 3, 2002).

A: GR: Everyone is conclusively presumed to know the law. Hence, ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith (Art. 3). XPNs: a. Mistake upon a doubtful or difficult question of law may be the basis of good faith. [Art. 526 (3)] b. Art. 2155 c. Art. 1344 Q: Differentiate mistake of law from mistake of fact.

Q: The Sangguniang Bayan of Hagonoy Bulacan enacted an ordinance which increased the stall rentals of the market vendors in Hagonoy. Art. 3 of the said ordinance provided that it shall take effect upon approval. The ordinance was posted from November 4 to 25, 1996. In the last week of November 1997, petitioners were personally given copies and were informed that it shall be enforced on January 1998. The petitioners contended that the subject ordinance was not posted as required by law. Did the ordinance comply with the rule of publication?

A: MISTAKE OF FACT Want of knowledge of some fact or facts constituting or relating to the subject matter in hand. When some facts which really exist are unknown or some fact is supposed to exist which really does not exist.

A: An ordinance which increased the stall rentals of the market vendors has complied with the publication requirement when the same was posted in 3 conspicuous places since there was no newspaper of local circulation in the municipality which is in accordance with Sec. 188 of the LGC (Hagonoy v. Municipality, G.R. No. 137621 February 6, 2002).

Good faith is an excuse

MISTAKE OF LAW Want of knowledge or acquaintance with the laws of the land insofar as they apply to the act, relation, duty, or matter under consideration. Occurs when a person having full knowledge of the facts come to an erroneous conclusion as to its legal effects Not excusable, even if in good faith

Note: Ignorance of a foreign law is a mistake of fact

Q: CIR issued a Memorandum Order 15-91 imposing a 5% lending investor’s tax on pawnshops. The BIR issued an assessment against Lhuillier demanding payment of deficiency tax. Lhuillier contended that the said memo is a new and additional tax measure on pawnshops which Congress should enact. Is the said memorandum valid even without publication?

Q: Eduardo was married to Ruby. He then met Tina and proposed marriage, assuring her that he was single. They got married and lived together. Tina, upon learning that Eduardo had been previously married, charged Eduardo for bigamy for which he was convicted. Eduardo testified that he declared he was “single” because he believed in good faith that his first wife was

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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW already dead, having not heard from her for 20 years, and that he did not know that he had to go to court to seek for the nullification of his first marriage before marrying Tina.

proved (Estate of Boo v. Gee, G.R. No. 18081, March 3, 1922). Note: Processual Presumption – if the foreign law is not properly alleged and proved, the presumption is that it is the same as our own law (Estate of Suntay v. Suntay, G.R. No. 132524. December 29, 1998).

Is Eduardo liable for the crime of bigamy? A: Yes. Eduardo is presumed to have acted with malice or evil intent when he married Tina. As a general rule, mistake of fact or good faith of the accused is a valid defense in a prosecution for a felony by dolo; such defense negates malice or criminal intent. However, ignorance of the law is not an excuse because everyone is presumed to know the law. It was the burden of Eduardo to prove that when he married Tina, he was of the well-grounded belief that his first wife was already dead. He should have adduced in evidence a decision of a competent court declaring the presumptive death of his first wife as required by Art. 349 of the RPC, in relation to Art. 41 of the FC. Such judicial declaration constitutes proof that Eduardo acted in good faith, and would negate criminal intent on his part when he married the private complainant (Manuel v. People, G.R. No. 165842, November 29, 2005).

RETROACTIVITY OF LAWS Q: Do laws have retroactive effect? A: GR: Laws shall have no retroactive effect. (lex prospicit, non respicit) XPNs: TIN CREEP 1. Tax laws 2. Interpretative statutes 3. Laws creating New Substantive Rights 4. Curative Statutes 5. Remedial/procedural 6. Emergency Laws 7. When Expressly provided 8. Penal laws favorable to the accused provided, accused is not a habitual criminal

Q: Complainants who were connected with the Daily Informer (a widely circulated newspaper in Western Visayas) were charged before the MTC by Judge Pamonag of the crime of libel. Respondent judge conducted a preliminary investigation and thereafter issued warrants for the arrest of the complainants. Complainants filed an administrative case against the judge for gross ignorance of the law. They contended that the judge neither has authority to conduct a preliminary investigation nor to issue warrants for their arrest. The judge said that it was his first libel case and that he issued the warrants in good faith. Is the respondent guilty of gross ignorance of the law?

XPNs to the XPNs: Constitutional limits where retroactivity would result to: IE 1. Impairment of obligation of contracts 2. Ex Post Facto Laws Note: In case of doubt, laws apply prospectively.

Q: May judicial decisions be given retroactive effect? A: No. When a doctrine of the Supreme Court is overruled and a different view is adopted, the new doctrine should be applied prospectively and should not apply to parties who had relied on the old doctrine and acted on the faith thereon. (Rabuya, p. 10)

A: Judges are expected more than just cursory acquaintance with statutes and procedural rules. They must know the law and apply them properly in good faith. The provisions of Art. 360 of the RPC on the persons authorized to conduct preliminary investigation in libel cases is so elementary. Not to know it constitutes gross ignorance of the law (Miaque v. Judge Pamonag, A.M. No. MTJ-02-1412. March 28, 2003).

Q: Does the Family Code contain a retroactivity clause? A: Yes. Art. 256 of the FC provides that the Code shall have retroactive effect insofar as it does not prejudice or impair vested or acquired rights in accordance with the NCC or other laws.

Q: Cheong Boo, a native of China died intestate in Zamboanga. He left a property worth P100,000. The estate of the deceased was claimed on one hand by Gee, who alleged that he was a legitimate child by a marriage contracted by Boo with Tan Dit in China in 1895. The estate was claimed, on the other hand, by Mora Adong who alleged that she had been lawfully married to Boo in 1896. Gee introduced in evidence a document in Chinese stating the marriage ceremony that took place in Amoy, China. Is the document presented by Gee recognized here in the Philippines?

MANDATORY OR PROHIBITORY LAWS Q: What is the status of acts which are contrary to law? A: GR: Acts executed against the provisions of mandatory or prohibitory laws are void. (Art. 5) XPNs: Where the law: 1. Makes the act valid but punishes the violator, e.g. Marriage solemnized by a person not authorized to do so; 2. Itself authorizes its validity; 3. Makes the act merely voidable;

A: Ignorance of a foreign law is not ignorance of the law but of fact because such foreign law must be first alleged and proved as a matter of fact, there being no judicial notice of said foreign law. The Chinese marriage was not adequately UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

10

EFFECT AND APPLICATION OF LAWS 4.

Declares the nullity of an act but recognizes its effects as legally existing, e.g. Child born after the annulment of marriage is considered legitimate.

4. 5.

Waiver must Not be contrary to law, public order, public morals, etc. When Formalities are required, they must be complied with.

WAIVER OF RIGHTS Q: What are some instances where waiver is considered void?

Q: What is a right? A: It is a legally enforceable claim of one person against another, that the other shall do a given act, or shall not do a given act. (Pineda, Persons, p. 23)

A: Waiver is considered void in such instances as: (i) waiver of future support; (ii) waiver of political rights; (iii) waiver of future inheritance especially if the waiver is intended to prejudice creditors.

Q: What are the kinds of rights? Distinguish. REPEAL OF LAWS A: 1.

2.

3.

Natural Rights – Those which grow out of the nature of man and depend upon personality. e.g. right to life, liberty, privacy, and good reputation Political Rights – Consist in the power to participate, directly or indirectly, in the establishment or administration of government. e.g. right of suffrage, right to hold public office, right of petition Civil Rights– Those that pertain to a person by virtue of his citizenship in a state or community. e.g. property rights, marriage, equal protection of laws, freedom of contract, trial by jury (Pineda, Persons, p. 24) a. Rights of personality or human rights; b. Family rights; and c. Patrimonial rights: i. Real rights ii. Personal rights. (Rabuya, p. 19)

Q: What are the kinds of repeal? Distinguish. A: Repeal may be: 1. EXPRESS - if the law expressly provides for such 2. IMPLIED – if the provisions of the subsequent law are incompatible or inconsistent with those of the previous law, PROVIDED, it is impossible to reconcile the two laws. Q: What are the two accepted instances of implied repeal? A: 1.

2. Q: May rights be waived? A: GR: Yes. XPNs: 1. If waiver is: a. Contrary to law, public order, public policy, morals or good customs. b. Prejudicial to a third person with a right recognized by law. 2. If the right is: a. A natural right, such as right to life. b. Inchoate, such as future inheritance.

Q: What is the rule on repeal of repealing laws? A: It depends upon how the old law is repealed by the repealing law: 1. If the old law is expressly repealed and repealing law is repealed: the Old law is not revived 2. If the old law is impliedly repealed and repealing law is repealed: the Old law is revived.

Q: What are the elements of waiver of rights? A: EKI 1. 2. 3.

When the provisions in the two acts on the same subject matter are irreconcilably contradictory, in which case, the later act, to the extent of the conflict, constitutes an implied repeal of earlier one; and When the later act covers the whole subject of the earlier one and is clearly intended as a substitute; thus it will operate to repeal the earlier law (Carmelita Lledo v. Atty. Cesar V. Lledo, A.M. No. P-95-1167, February 9, 2010).

JUDICIAL DECISIONS Q: Are judicial decisions considered laws in this jurisdiction?

Must be an Existing right The one waiving such right must have Knowledge of evidence thereof Intention to relinquish said right (Valderamma v. Macalde, G.R. No. 165005, September 16,2005).

A: No. However, decisions of the Supreme Court, although in themselves not laws, are nevertheless evidence of what the laws mean.

Q: What are the requisites of a valid waiver?

Q: When do judicial decisions form part of the law of the land?

A: AFCUNF 1. Waiving party must Actually have the right he is renouncing. 2. He must have Full capacity to make the waiver 3. Waiver must be Clear and Unequivocal

A: As of the date of the enactment of said law. This is so because the Supreme Court’s interpretation merely establishes the contemporaneous legislative intent that the construed law purports to carry into effect.

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CIVIL LAW Q: May courts apply customs in deciding cases? Note: When a doctrine is overruled and a different view is adopted, the new doctrine should be applied prospectively and should not prejudice parties who relied on the old doctrine.

A: 1.

Q: What is the Doctrine of Stare Decisis? A: It is adherence to judicial precedents. Once a question of law has been examined and decided, it should be deemed settled and closed to further argument.

Note: Provided said customs are not contrary to law, public morals, etc.

Note: This doctrine however is not inflexible, so that when in the light of changing conditions, a rule has ceased to be beneficial to the society, courts may depart from it.

2.

DUTY TO RENDER JUDGMENT

In criminal cases, customs cannot be applied because nullum crimen nulla poena sine lege (There is neither crime nor punishment, without a law).

Q: In case of silence, obscurity or insufficiency of the law with respect to a particular controversy, what rules shall be applied? (1961, 1971, 1977 Bar Question)

Q: Can the Court decline to render judgment by reason of silence of the law? A: No. No judge or court shall decline to render judgment by reason of the silence, obscurity or insufficiency of the law (Art. 9).

A: If the law is silent, or is obscure or insufficient with respect to a particular controversy, the judge shall apply the custom of the place, and in default thereof, the general principles of law and justice.

Note: However, this duty is not a license for courts to engage in judicial legislation. The duty of the courts is to apply or interpret the law, not to make or amend it.

Q: What should first be established before such custom could be considered a source of right?

PRESUMPTION AND APPLICABILITY OF CUSTOM

A: The custom must be proved as a fact, according to the rules of evidence (Art. 12, NCC). This fact, however, should possess the following requisites: (1) plurality of acts, (2) uniformity of acts, (3) general practice by the great mass of the people of the country or community; (4) continued practice for a long period of time; (5) general conviction that the practice is the proper rule of conduct; and (6) conformity with law, morals or public policy (1 Tolentino. Civil Code, p. 39; 1 Manresa 82).

Q: What is the presumption in case there is doubt in the interpretation or application of laws? A: It is presumed that the lawmaking body intended right and justice to prevail (Art. 10). Q: What are customs? A: These are rules of conduct, legally binding and obligatory, formed by repetition of acts uniformly observed as a social rule.

LEGAL PERIODS Q: How do you compute the periods?

Q: How are customs proved?

A: Year – 12 calendar months (CIR v. Primetown Property Group, Inc., 531 SCRA 436)) Month – 30 days, unless designated by their name, in which case, they shall be computed according to the number of days which they respectively have. Day – 24 hours Night time – from sunset to sunrise Week – 7 successive days regardless of which day it would start Calendar week – Sunday to Saturday

A: GR: Must be proved as a fact, according to the rules on evidence. (Art. 12) XPN: Courts may take judicial notice of a custom if there is already a decision rendered by the same court recognizing the custom. Q: What are the requisites to make a custom an obligatory rule?

Q: What is the manner of computing a period?

A: P-TOP 1. Plurality or Repetition of acts 2. Practiced for a long period of Time 3. The community accepts it as a proper way of acting, such that it is considered Obligatory upon all. 4. Practiced by the great mass of the social group.


In civil cases, customs may be applied by the courts in cases where the applicable law is: SOI a. Silent b. Obscure c. Insufficient

A: The first day shall be excluded, and the last day included. Q: In a case of violation of the Copyright law filed against her, Soccoro countered by saying that since the crime was found out on September 3, 1963, while the information was filed on September 3, 1965, the crime had already prescribed, since 1964 was a leap year. Has the crime prescribed?

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EFFECT AND APPLICATION OF LAWS c. A: Yes. With the approval of the NCC we have reverted to the provisions of the Spanish Civil Code in accordance with which a month is to be considered as the regular 30-month and not the solar or civil month with the particularity that, whereas the Spanish Civil Code merely mentioned 'months, days or nights,' ours has added thereto the term 'years' and explicitly ordains in Art. 13 that it shall be understood that years are of three hundred sixty-five days (People v. Ramos GR L-25265, May 9, 1978, Ramos v. Ramos GR L-25644, May 9, 1978).

XPNs: a. In case of divorce obtained validly by an alien pursuant to the rules that governs his country, the Filipino spouse shall be considered also as divorced (Van Dorn v. Romillo, Jr., 139 SCRA 139, 1985). b. Domiciliary rule applies to stateless persons

However, when the year in question is a leap year, the 365 day rule is not followed because February 28 and 29 of a leap year should be counted as separate days in computing periods of prescription (NAMARCO v. Tuazon, GR No L29131, August 27, 1969).

Note: the basis for determining the personal law of an individual is either the Domiciliary Rule (Domicile) or Nationality Rule (Citizenship) 3.

Q: What is the rule if the last day falls on a Sunday or a legal holiday?

a. Succession as to order of succession, amount of successional rights and intrinsic validity of the testamentary provisions - governed by national law (in Philippines) not lex situs

Prescribed or allowed by: ROO a. the Rules of Court b. an Order of the court; or c. any Other applicable statute

b. Contracts involving real property but do not deal with title or real rights over the property, the issue being the contractual rights and liabilities of parties governed by the proper law of the contract (lex loci voluntatis or lex loci intentionis)

The last day will automatically be the next working day. 2.

Arises from a contractual relationship – the act will still become due despite the fact that the last day falls on a Sunday or a legal holiday.

c. In contracts where real property is given as security by way of mortgage to secure a principle contract (i.e. loan) - loan is governed by the proper law of the contract while the mortgage is governed by the lex situs

CONFLICT OF LAWS Q: When, where and upon whom do the following laws apply? A: 1.

d. While the validity of the transfer of land must be determined by the lex situs, the validity of the contract to transfer is determined by the proper law of the contract

PENAL LAWS GR: TERRITORIALITY RULE - Penal laws and laws of public security and safety shall be obligatory upon all who live or sojourn in the Philippine territory (Art. 14)

4.

XPNs: Treaty stipulations, Principle of Public International, Laws of Preferential Application. e.g. Ambassadors, Ministers, International agencies enjoying diplomatic immunity

Law governing extrinsic validity of contracts, wills and public instruments. GR: Lex loci celebrationis (Art. 17) – forms and solemnities of contracts, wills and other public instruments shall be governed by the laws of the country in which they are executed XPNs: Philippine law shall apply in the following cases even though performed abroad: a. Acts are executed before the diplomatic or consular officials of the Philippines. b. Prohibitory laws concerning persons, their acts or property, and those which have for their object public order, public policy and good customs. (Art. 17)

Note: Consul is not entitled to the privileges and immunities of ambassadors or ministers. 2.

REAL STATUTES – Laws on Property GR: Lex Rei Sitae – Real property as well as personal property is subject to the law of the country where it is situated. (Art. 16) XPNS:

A: It depends. If the act to be performed within the period is: 1.

Legal capacity of persons are binding upon citizens of the Philippines even though living abroad (Art. 15)

STATUS LAWS GR: NATIONALITY RULE - Laws relating to a. Family rights and duties b. Status and condition

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CIVIL LAW Q: The second clause of the will of Joseph, a Turkish citizen and a resident of the Philippines, states that:

3. Two or more persons cannot make a will jointly, or in the same instrument, either for their reciprocal benefit or for the benefit of a third person (Article 818).

xxx, it is my wish that the distribution of my property and everything in connection with this, my will, be made and disposed of in accordance with the laws in force in the Philippine Islands, requesting all of my relatives to respect this wish, otherwise, I annul and cancel beforehand whatever disposition found in this will favorable to the person or persons who fail to comply with this request.

Note: Wills, prohibited by the preceding article, executed by Filipinos in a foreign country shall not be valid in the Philippines, even though authorized by the laws of the country where they may have been executed (Art. 819).

4. Capacity to succeed is governed by the law of the nation of the decedent (Article 1039).

Is the clause above-quoted valid?

Q: What law governs the revocation of wills?

A: No, it is void. The second clause of the will regarding the law which shall govern it and the condition imposed, is null and void, being contrary to law. Article 792 of the Civil Code provides that “Impossible conditions and those contrary to law or good morals shall be considered as not imposed and shall not prejudice the heir or legatee in any manner whatsoever, even should the testator otherwise provide.”

A: 1. Under Art. 829 of the NCC, a revocation done outside the Philippines by a person who does not have his domicile here is valid if done according to: (a) The law of the place where the will was made (lex loci celebrationis) or

Said clause is contrary to law because it expressly ignores the testator's national law when, according to Art. 16 of the NCC, such national law of the testator is the one to govern his testamentary dispositions. Said condition then is considered unwritten, hence the institution of legatees is unconditional and consequently valid and effective.

(b) The law of his domicil at the time of revocation (lex domicilii) Note: It ignores the law of the place of revocation

2. If the revocation is done in the Philippines, it is valid if made in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Code

Q: What law governs the validity of wills?

3. If the revocation is done outside the Philippines by a person who is domiciled in the Philippines, it is valid if made in accordance with the law of the Philippines (lex domicilii) or lex loci actus of the revocation (the place where the revocation was made)

A: 1. Intrinsic validity of wills - The NCC applies the lex nationalii of the decedent 2. Extrinsic validity of wills - The NCC applies the law of the place in which they are executed

Q: Explain the following doctrines:

a.) When a Filipino is in a foreign country, he is authorized to make a will in any of the forms established by the law of the country in which he may be. Such will may be probated in the Philippines (Article 815).

A: 1.

XPN: Joint wills executed by Filipinos in a foreign country shall not be valid in the Philippines even though authorized by the laws of the country where they have been executed (Art. 819, NCC).

2.

b.) The will of an alien who is abroad produces effect in the Philippines if made with the formalities prescribed by the law of the place in which he resides, or according to the formalities observed in his country, or in conformity with those which this Code prescribes (Article 816).

3.

4.

c.) A will made in the Philippines by a citizen or subject of another country, which is executed in accordance with the law of the country of which he is a citizen or subject, and which might be proved and allowed by the law of his own country, shall have the same effect as if executed according to the laws of the Philippines. (Art. 817) UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Renvoi Doctrine (“referring back”) – Renvoi takes place when the conflicts rule of the forum makes a reference to a foreign law, but the foreign law is found to contain a conflict rule that returns or refers the matter back to the law of the forum (Remission). Transmission theory – Provides that when the conflicts rule of the forum makes a reference to a foreign law, but the foreign law is found to contain a conflict rule that refers it to a third country, the law of the third country shall apply. Doctrine of Processual Presumption – The foreign law, whenever applicable, should be proved by the proponent thereof, otherwise, such law shall be presumed to be exactly the same as the law of the forum. Doctrine of Operative Facts – Acts done pursuant to a law which was subsequently declared unconstitutional remain valid, but not when the acts are done after the declaration of unconstitutionality.

Q: Edward is a citizen of California domiciled in the Philippines. After he executed his will, he went back to America and stayed there. During the post mortem

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EFFECT AND APPLICATION OF LAWS probate of the will, Helen, his illegitimate natural child, opposed it on the ground of preterition. She claims that under Art. 16 par. 2 of the Civil Code, in case of succession, the national law of the deceased - the civil code of California - should govern., which provides that if a Californian not domiciled in California dies, the law of his domicile must govern. Lucy, on the otherhand, counters that under the same provision, the national law of the deceased should apply. Which law should be applied – Philippine law or Californian Law?

Marriage between a Filipino and a foreigner in the PHILIPPINES

Q: What law governs the personal relations of the spouses? A: GR: The personal relations of the spouses are governed by the national law of the husband

A: Philippine Law should be applied. Where the testator (Edward) was a citizen of California, and domiciled in the Philippines, the amount of successional rights should be governed by his national law, that is, Californian law. However, the conflict of law rules of California provides that in cases of citizens who are residents of another country, the law of the country of domicile should apply, hence, Philippine law on legitimes should be applied. This is so because California law itself refers the case back to the Philippines. The Philippine court has no other alternative but to accept the referring back, for to do otherwise, might result again in its referring back to the Philippines, which would give rise to a sort of an “international football” (Aznar v. Garcia, G.R. No.L-16749. January 31, 1963).

Alien woman who marries a Filipino husband

A Filipina who marries an alien husband

Q: What is the effect of laws, judgments promulgated or conventions agreed upon in a foreign country on Philippine laws? A: As regards prohibitive laws: GR: Prohibitive laws concerning persons, their acts, or property and laws which have for their object public order, public policy or good customs are not rendered ineffective by laws, judgments promulgated or conventions agreed upon in foreign country. XPN: Art 26, par. 2 of the Family Code (FC), on mixed marriages where the foreigner obtained a divorce decree abroad and was thereby capacitated to remarry.

Ipso facto becomes a Filipino citizen if she does not suffer under any disqualification for naturalization as a Filipino citizen Personal relations: national law of the husband shall govern (GR) Constitution provides that she “shall retain her Philippine citizenship, unless by her act or omission, she is deemed, under our law, to have renounced her citizenship” Personal relations: Art. 80 of the Family Code provides that the national law of the wife or Philippine law would govern the spouses’ personal relations (rule was intended to protect the Filipino wife)

Q: What if the spouses change nationalities, what law will govern?

Note: In this case, even though divorce is not recognized in the Philippines as a mode of terminating marriage, still the marriage is terminated by virtue of a judgment of divorce and issuance of a divorce decree by a foreign court.

A: 1. If the spouses have the same nationality but they acquire a new nationality by their common act – their new national law will govern their personal relations

Q: What law governs the validity of marriage in case of mixed marriages? A: Marriage between a Filipino and foreigner ABROAD

The national law of the Filipino – Philippine law should be followed – otherwise the country’s public policy would be violated

2. If the husband alone changes his nationality after the marriage – the law of the last common nationality of the spouses would govern

If the marriage is valid under the law of one of the spouses while void under the law of the other, the validity of the marriage should be upheld, unless the marriage is universally incestuous or highly immoral (the same rule as to foreigners who get married abroad)

3. If the spouses retain their different nationalities after the marriage – National law of both spouses should govern Q: What are the rules in determining the domicile of a person? A: If the child is legitimate

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His domicile of origin is that of his parents at the time of his birth


CIVIL LAW

If the child is illegitimate

If the child is legitimated

If the child is adopted

If a foundling

spouses, the wife can have her own domicile of choice

If parents are separated, the domicile of the custodial parent His domicile of origin is that of the mother at the time of his birth The domicile of his father at the time of his birth controls The domicile of origin is the domicile of his real parents at the time of his birth, NOT the domicile of the adopters The domicile of origin is the country where it was found

3. If there is a separation de facto, the wife can also have a separate domicile If the marriage is voidable

Apply the same rules when the marriage is valid. However, after annulment, the wife can freely select her own domicile of choice If the marriage is void The wife can have a domicile separate from the husband OTHER PERSONS Convict or prisoner His domicile is the one he had possessed prior to his incarceration Soldiers Their domicile is their domicile before their enlistment Public officials or Their domicile is the one employees abroad they had before they were (diplomats, etc) assigned elsewhere, unless they voluntarily adopt their place of employment as their permanent residence

RULES DETERMINING ONE’S CONSTRUCTIVE DOMICILE MINORS 1. If legitimate, the domicile of both parents In case of disagreement, that of the father, unless there is a judicial order to the contrary 2. If illegitimate, the domicile of the mother 3. In case of absence or death of either parent, the domicile of the present parent. Even in case of remarriage of the surviving parent, still his/her domicile determines the constructive domicile of the minor child 4. If the child is adopted, the domicile of choice of the adopter is the child’s constructive domicile INSANES, IDIOTS, IMBECILES The law assigns their domicile to them: 1. If they are below the age of majority, the rules on minors apply to them 2. If they are of age and have guardians, they follow the domicile of choice of their guardians 3. If they are of age and have no guardians, their constructive domicile is their domicile of choice before they became insane MARRIED WOMEN 1. The constructive domicile of the wife is the domicile of both spouses, unless the law allows the wife to have a separate domicile for valid and If the marriage is valid compelling reasons 2. If there is legal separation between the UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

16

PERSONS Q: What law governs the validity of contracts? A: Barter, sale, donation Lease of property: creates real rights Lease of property: does not create real rights Pledge, chattel mortgage, real estate mortgage, antichresis Contract of loan: mutuum Contract of loan: commodatum Lease of service, agency, guaranty, suretyship Note: Agency to alienate or encumber real property is governed by lex situs

Extrinsic validity Lex situs Lex situs

Capacity of parties Lex situs Lex situs

Lex loci celebrationis

Personal parties Lex situs

law

of

the

Lex voluntatis or lex loci intentionis Lex situs

law

of

the

Lex situs

Personal parties Lex situs

Lex loci voluntatis or lex loci intentionis Lex situs


Personal law of parties

Lex situs


Intrinsic validity Lex situs Lex situs

Lex loci voluntatis or lex loci intentionis


Contract of transportation or carriage (render services)

Personal law of the Lex loci voluntatis parties Liability for loss, destruction, deterioration of goods in transit: law of destination of goods (Art. 1753, NCC) If COGSA applies, limitation on liability applies, unless the shipper declares value of goods and inserts such declaration in the bill of lading Contract for air transportation (Warsaw Convention) 1. The liability of the airline in case of death, injury to passengers, or loss or damage to cargo is governed by Warsaw Convention 2. If there was malice, gross negligence, or bad faith, or improper discrimination, carrier is liable for damages beyond those limited by Warsaw Convention

Note: If contracts involve encumbrances of property, real or personal, apply lex situs. If personal contracts, law on contracts will apply

17


CIVIL LAW HUMAN RELATIONS

Q: How is Art. 21 related to Art. 19?

Q: What is the principle of abuse of rights?

A: While Art. 19 lays down the rule of conduct for the government of human relations, it does not provide a remedy. Generally, an action for damages under either Art. 20 or Art. 21 would be proper. Art. 21 deals with acts contra bonus mores or contrary to good morals and presupposes loss or injury, material or otherwise, which one may suffer as a result of such violation. Under Arts. 19 and 21, the act must be intentional. (Rabuya, 2006)

A: A right, though by itself legal because recognized or granted by law as such, may become the source of some illegality. When a right is exercised in a manner which does not conform with the norms enshrined in Art. 19 and results in damage to another, a legal wrong is thereby committed for which the wrongdoer must be held responsible.

Note: Art. 21 fills countless gaps in the statutes, which leave so many victims of moral wrongs helpless, even though they suffered material and moral damages. (Tolentino, p. 70)

Q: What are the elements of abuse of rights? A: 1. There is a legal right or duty; 2. Such duty is exercised in bad faith; 3. It is for the sole intent of prejudicing or injuring another.

Q: Is breach of promise to marry an actionable wrong? A: GR: No. A breach of promise to marry per se is not an actionable wrong. There is no provision in the NCC authorizing an action for breach of promise to marry.

Q: What is the principle of Damnum Absque Injuria?

XPN: When the act is not a mere breach of promise to marry but constitutes one where damages pursuant to Art. 21 of the NCC may be recovered, such as: 1. Where the woman is a victim of moral seduction (Gashem Shookat Baksh v. CA, G.R. No. 97336, February 19, 1993). 2. Where one formally sets a wedding and go through and spend for all the preparations and publicity, only to walk out of it when the matrimony was about to be solemnized (Wassmer v. Velez, G.R. No. L-20089, December 26, 1964).

A: Under this principle which literally means damage without injury, one who merely exercises one’s rights does no actionable injury and cannot be held liable for damages. This is premised on the valid exercise of a right (Amonoy v. Guitierrez, 351 SCRA 731, 2001). Note: Injury is the illegal invasion of a legal right; damage is the loss, hurt, or harm which results from the injury; and damages are the recompense or compensation awarded for the damage suffered. There can be damage without injury in those instances in which the loss or harm was not the result of a violation of a legal duty. In such cases, the consequences must be borne by the injured person alone (Panteleon v. American Express, G.R. No. 174269, August 25, 2010).

Q: Maria met Ayatollah, an Iranian medical student, at the restaurant where she worked. A few days after, Ayatollah courted and proposed to marry Maria. The latter accepted his love on the condition that they would get married. When the couple visited Maria's parents, Ayatollah was allowed to sleep with Maria during the few days of their stay. The couple continued to live together in an apartment, but Ayatollah's attitude towards Maria changed. He maltreated her and when Maria became pregnant, Ayatollah gave her medicine to abort the fetus. Despite the abuses, Maria continued to live with Ayatollah and kept reminding him of his promise to marry her. However, Ayatollah told her that he could not do so because he was already married to a girl in Bacolod City. Maria left and filed a complaint for damages against Ayatollah for the alleged violation of their agreement to get married. May damages be recovered for a breach of promise to marry on the basis of Art. 21 of the NCC?

Q: Is there civil liability for moral negligence? A: None. A person is required to act with prudence towards others, but not with charity; the law imposes diligence and not altruism. Hence, the failure to make sacrifices or egoism does not constitute a source of liability. (Tolentino, p. 69) Illustration: A person who fails to render assistance to a drowning person or to the victim of an accident, cannot be held liable for damages (3 Colin & Capitant 826). Note: Every person who, contrary to law, wilfully or negligently causes damage to another, shall indemnify the latter for the same. (Art. 20, NCC)

A: Yes. A breach of promise to marry per se is not an actionable wrong. But where a man's promise to marry is the proximate cause of the acceptance of his love by a woman and his representation to fulfill that promise thereafter becomes the proximate cause of the giving of herself unto him in a sexual congress, proof that the promise was only a deceptive device to inveigle her to obtain her consent to the sexual act, could justify the award of damages pursuant to Art. 21, not because of such promise to marry but because of the fraud and deceit

Q: What are the elements of an action under Art. 21 of the NCC? A: LCI 1. There is an act which is Legal; 2. Such act is Contrary to morals, good customs, public order or policy; 3. It is done with Intent to injure.


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HUMAN RELATIONS behind it and the willful injury to her honor and reputation which followed thereafter. It is essential, however, that such injury should have been committed in a manner contrary to morals, good customs or public policy. In the instant case, Ayatollah's fraudulent and deceptive protestations of love for and promise to marry Maria that made her surrender her virtue and womanhood to him and to live with him on the honest and sincere belief that he would keep said promise. In short, Maria surrendered her virginity, the cherished possession of every single Filipina, not because of lust but because of moral seduction (Gashem Shookat Baksh v. CA, G.R. No. 97336, February 19, 1993).

Q: What are the requisites of accion in rem verso? A: 1. The defendant has been enriched; 2. The plaintiff has suffered a loss; 3. The enrichment of the defendant is without just or legal ground; and 4. The plaintiff has no other action based on contract, quasi-contract, crime or quasi-delict. Q: How is accion in rem verso different from solutio debiti? A: Mistake is an essential element in solutio indebiti. In accion in rem verso, it is not necessary that there should have been mistake in the payment (Rabuya, 2006).

Q: Soledad a high school teacher used to go around together with Francisco who was almost ten (10) years younger than her. Eventually, intimacy developed between them after Soledad became an underwriter in Cebu. One evening, they had sexual intercourse in Francisco's cabin on board M/V Escaño, to which he was then attached as apprentice pilot. After a few months, Soledad advised Francisco that she was pregnant, whereupon he promised to marry her. Later their child was born. However, subsequently, Francisco married another woman. Soledad filed a complaint for moral damages for alleged breach of promise to marry. May moral damages be recovered for breach of promise to marry?

Q: Can there be liability without fault or negligence? A: Yes. The NCC recognizes liability without fault or negligence, even when the event producing loss to others may be accidental or fortuitous, so long as another person is benefited through such event or act. (Art. 23, NCC)

A: No. It is the clear and manifest intent of our law making body not to sanction actions for breach of promise to marry. Moreover, Francisco is not morally guilty of seduction, not only because he is approximately 10 years younger than the complainant — who around 36 years of age, and as highly enlightened as a former high school teacher and a life insurance agent are supposed to be — when she became intimate with him, than a mere apprentice pilot, but, also, because, the court of first instance found that, complainant "surrendered herself" to Francisco because, "overwhelmed by her love" for him, she "wanted to bind" "by having a fruit of their engagement even before they had the benefit of clergy (Hermosisima v. CA, G.R. No. L-14628, September 30, 1960). Note: To constitute seduction there must be some sufficient promise or inducement and the woman must yield because of the promise or other inducement. If she consents merely from carnal lust and the intercourse is from mutual desire, there is no seduction. Q: What is accion in rem verso? A: It is an action for recovery of what has been paid or delivered without just cause or legal ground. Under Art. 22 of the NCC, if a person acquires or comes into possession of something at the expense of another without just or legal ground through an act or of performance by another or any other means has the obligation to return the same.

19


CIVIL LAW PERSONS

which declares that the civil personality of the child shall commence from the time of his conception, for all purposes favorable to him, subject to the requirements of Art. 41 of the NCC.

PERSONS AND PERSONALITY Q: Differentiate person from personality.

RESTRICTIONS ON CAPACITY TO ACT A: A person is every physical or moral, real or juridical and legal being susceptible of rights and obligations or being the subject of legal relations. Personality, on the other hand, is the aptitude to be the subject, active or passive, of juridical relations. One is a person, while one has personality. (Rabuya, 2006)

Q: What are the restrictions on capacity to act? A: MIDI-PC (Art. 38, NCC) 1. Minority - state of a person who is under the age of legal majority which is eighteen years of age 2. Insanity – state of a person whose mental faculties are diseased 3. Deaf-mute – lacking sense of hearing and the inability to speak

Q: What are the two kinds of persons? A: 1. 2.

NATURAL – human beings and have physical existence JURIDICAL – artificial persons and product of legal fiction

Note: Only deaf-mutes who do not know how to write are declared by law incapable of giving consent.

Q: Distinguish juridical capacity from capacity to act.

4.

A: JURIDICAL CAPACITY

5. 6.

CAPACITY TO ACT

Definition Fitness to be the subject Power to do acts with legal of legal relations effect Acquisition Inherent (co-exists with Through the fulfillment of the natural person) specific legal activities Loss Through death and other Only through death causes In relation to the other Can exist without Cannot exist w/o juridical capacity to act capacity Limitation Art. 38 (restriction) Art. 39 (modification/ None limitation), among others

Imbecility – state of a person who while advanced in age has the mental capacity comparable to that of a child between two and seven years of age Prodigality – a spendthrift or squanderer Civil Interdiction – an accessory penalty imposed upon an accused who is sentenced to a principal penalty not lower than reclusion temporal.

Note: They do not exempt the incapacitated person from certain obligations. Q: What are the circumstances that modify or limit capacity to act? A: I-PAID-FAT-PIA 1. Insanity 2. Prodigality 3. Age 4. Imbecility 5. Deaf-Mute 6. Family Relations 7. Alienage 8. Trusteeship 9. Penalty 10. Insolvency 11. Absence

Q: What is meant by status? A: The status of a person is the legal condition or class to which one belongs in a society. (1 del Viso 32, 2 Sanchez Roman 110)

BIRTH

Q: What is meant by civil personality?

Q: How is personality acquired by natural persons?

A: Civil personality is merely the external manifestation of either juridical capacity or capacity to act. Consequently, it may be defines as the aptitude of being the subject of rights and obligations. (2 Sanchez Roman 114-147)

A: GR: Actual/Permanent Personality – Personality begins at birth, not at conception. XPN: Presumptive/Temporary – The law considers the conceived child as born (Conceptus pro natohabetur)

Q: When does civil personality begin in natural persons? Note: For there to be presumptive personality, the fetus must be “born later in accordance with law” and the purpose for which such personality is given must be beneficial to the child.

A: Birth determines personality, but the conceived child shall be considered born for all purposes that are favourable to it, provided it be born later with the conditions specified in the following article (Art. 40, NCC). This provision is now superseded by Art. 5 of P.D. No. 603, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

20

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Q: Explain the meaning of the clause “Born later in accordance with law”.

since he was much younger than his father and therefore, should be presumed to have survived longer?

A: A fetus with an intra-uterine life of: 1. Less than 7 months – Must survive for at least 24 hours after its complete delivery from the maternal womb 2. At least 7 months – If born alive, it shall be considered born even if it dies within 24 hours after complete delivery.

A: No, Wilma cannot successfully claim that Willy had a hereditary share in his father’s estate. Under Art. 4 of the NCC, two persons “who are called to succeed each other” are presumed to have died at the same time, in the absence of proof as to which of them died first. This presumption of simultaneous death applies in cases involving the question of succession as between the two who died, who in this case, are mutual heirs, being father and son.

Note: Complete delivery means the cutting of the umbilical cord.

Q: Does the conceived child have the right to be acknowledged even if it is still conceived?

Q: Suppose, Jaime had a life insurance policy with his wife Julia, and his son, Willy, as the beneficiaries. Can Wilma successfully claim that one-half of the proceeds should belong to Willy’s estate? (1998 Bar Question)

A: Yes. It is a universal rule of jurisprudence that a child, upon being conceived, becomes a bearer of legal rights and is capable of being dealt with as a living person. The fact that it is yet unborn is no impediment to the acquisition of rights provided it be born later in accordance with law (De Jesus v. Syquia, G.R. No. L-39110, November 28, 1933).

A: Yes, Wilma can invoke the presumption of survivorship and claim that one-half of the proceeds should belong to Willy’s estate, under Rule 131, Sec.3 (jj), par. 5, Rules of Court, as the dispute does not involve succession.

Q: What do you mean by provisional personality of a conceived child?

Under this presumption, the person between the ages of 15 and 60 is deemed to have survived one whose age was over 60 at the time of their deaths. The estate of Willy endowed with juridical personality stands in place and stead of Willy, as beneficiary.

A: A conceived child, although as yet unborn, has a limited and provisional personality. Its personality is essentially limited because it is only for purposes favorable to the child. Its personality is provisional because it depends upon the child being born alive later under certain conditions.

COMPARISON OF ART.43 AND RULE 131 DEATH SURVIVORSHIP RULE UNDER THE NCC Q: How does civil personality cease? Q: Explain the survivorship rule under the NCC. A: It depends upon the classification of persons: 1. Natural persons – by death 2. Juridical persons – by termination of existence

A: If there is doubt as to who died first between 2 or more persons who are called to succeed each other, as to which of them died first,

Q: What rule would apply in case there is doubt as to who died first?

Burden of Proof: Whoever alleges the death of one prior to the other has the burden of proving such claim.

A: It depends on whether the parties are called to succeed each other. 1. If successional rights are involved – Art. 43 of the NCC: Survivorship Rule, and Rule 131, Sec. 3(kk): Presumption of simultaneity of deaths between persons called to succeed each other, apply. 2. If no successional rights are involved – Rule 131, Sec. 3 (jj) of the Rules of Court applies. (Presumption of survivorship)

Absent such proof: Presumption is they all died at the same time. There shall be no transmission of successional rights. (Rule 131, Sec. 3 [kk], Rules of Court) Q: What are the conditions that may warrant the application of the survivorship rule? A: It applies when the following conditions are present: 1. The parties are heirs to one another 2. There is no proof as to who died first 3. There is doubt as to who died first

Note: Both are to be applied only in the absence of facts.

Q: Jaime, who is 65, and his son, Willy, who is 25, died in a plane crash. There is no proof as to who died first. Jaime’s only surviving heir is his wife, Julia, who is also Willy’s mother. Willy’s surviving heirs are his mother, Julia, and his wife, Wilma.

Q: What is the presumption under the survivorship rule? A: Presumption of simultaneity of deaths. When two or more persons who are called to succeed each other die, they shall be presumed to have died at the same time.

In the settlement of Jaime’s estate, can Wilma successfully claim that her late husband, Willy, had a hereditary share

21


CIVIL LAW PRESUMPTION ON SURVIVORSHIP UNDER THE RULES OF COURT

that the designation of the unborn child as a beneficiary is favorable to the child.

Q: What are the requisites for the presumptions on survivorship under the Rules of Court to apply?

Q: Between Marian and the baby, who is presumed to have died ahead?

A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

A: If the baby was not alive when completely delivered from the mother’s womb, it was not born as a person, then the question of who between two persons survived will not be an issue. Since the baby had an intra-uterine life of more than 7 months, it would be considered born if it was alive, at the time of its complete delivery from the mother’s womb. We can gather from the facts that the baby was completely delivered. But whether or not it was alive has to be proven by evidence.

Two or more persons; They perish in the same calamity; It is not shown who died first; There are no particular circumstances from which it can be inferred that one died ahead of the other.

Q: What are the presumptions under the survivorship rule under the Rules of Court? A: The survivorship shall be determined from the probabilities resulting from the strength and age of the sexes according to the following rules: Age/Sex of decedents at the time of death Decedent A Decedent B Under 15 Under 15 Above 60 Above 60 Under 15

Above 60

Above 15 BUT under 60

Above 15 BUT under 60

Under 15 OR over 60

Between 15 and 60

If the baby was alive when completely delivered from the mother’s womb, then it was born as a person and the question of who survived as between the baby and the mother shall be resolved by the provisions of the Rules of Court on survivorship. This is because the question has nothing to do with succession. Obviously, the resolution of the question is needed just for the implementation of an insurance contract. Under Rule 13, Sec. 3, (jj), (5) as between the baby who was under 15 years old and Marian who was 18 years old, Marian is presumed to have survived.

Who presumed to have survived Older Younger Under 15 (younger) Different sexes – male Same sex – Older Between 15 and 60

In both cases, therefore, the baby never acquired any right under the insurance policy. The proceeds of the insurance will then go to the estate of Marian. Q: Will Prieto, as surviving biological father of the baby, be entitled to claim the proceeds of the life insurance on the life of Marian? (2008 Bar Question)

Note: The statutory rules in the determination of sequence of death do not absolutely apply in a case where indirect and/or inferential evidence surrounding the circumstances of the deaths exists. Where there are facts, known or knowable, from which a rational conclusion can be made, the presumption does not step in, and the rule of preponderance of evidence controls. It is the "particular circumstances from which survivorship can be inferred" that are required to be certain as tested by the rules of evidence (Joaquin v. Navarro, G.R. No. L-5426, May 29, 1953).

A: Since the baby did not acquire any right under the insurance contract, there is nothing for Prieto to inherit. JURIDICAL PERSONS Q: What are the different kinds of Judicial Persons?

Q: At the age of 18, Marian found out that she was pregnant. She insured her own life and named her unborn child as her sole beneficiary. When she was already due to give birth, she and her boyfriend Pietro, the father of her unborn child, were kidnapped in a resort in Bataan. The military gave chase and after one week, they were found in abandoned hut in Cavite. Marian and Pietro were hacked with bolos. Marian and the baby she delivered were both found dead, with the baby’s umbilical cord already cut. Pietro survived.

A: 1. 2.

Can Marian’s baby be the beneficiary of the insurance taken on the life of the mother?

Q: May juridical persons acquire and possess property of all kinds, as well as incur obligations and bring civil or criminal actions?

3.

A: An unborn child may be designated as the beneficiary in the insurance policy of the mother. An unborn child shall be considered a person for purposes favorable to it provided it is born later in accordance with the NCC. There is no doubt


The State and its political subdivisions; Other corporations, institutions and entities for public interest or purpose, created by law; their personality begins as soon as they have been constituted according to law; Corporations, partnerships and associations for private interest or purpose to which the law grants a juridical personality, separate and distinct from that of each shareholder, partner or member (Art. 44, NCC)

A: Yes, provided that they are in conformity with the laws and regulations of their organization. (Art. 46)

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS DOMICILE AND RESIDENCE OF PERSON

Social institution Applicable law Governed by the law on Governed by the law on marriage contracts Right to stipulate GR: Not subject to stipulation Generally subject to stipulations XPN: Property relations in marriage settlements Capacity to contract Minors may contract thru their parents or guardians or Legal capacity required in some instances, by themselves Gender requirement Contracting parties must Contracting parties may be only be two persons of two or more persons opposite sexes regardless of sex Dissolution by agreement Dissolved only by death or Can be dissolved by mutual annulment, never by agreement among others. mutual agreement

Q: Distinguish between residence and domicile. A: Residence is a place of abode, whether permanent or temporary. Domicile denotes a fixed permanent place to which, when absent, one has the intention of returning. Q: Where is the domicile of a natural person for the exercise of civil rights and fulfillment of civil obligations? A: His place of habitual residence. Q: Where is the domicile of juridical persons? A: 1. 2.

The place fixed by the law creating or recognizing the juridical person; In the absence thereof, the place where their legal representation is established or where they exercise their principal functions. MARRIAGE

Q: What is marriage? Q: What is required to prove the marriage? A: Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements may fix the property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by the Family Code. (Art. 1, FC)

A: The best documentary evidence of a marriage is the marriage contract. Although a marriage contract is considered primary evidence of marriage, the failure to present it is not, however, proof that no marriage took place, as other evidence may be presented to prove marriage. The following may be presented as proof of marriage: (a) testimony of a witness to the matrimony (b) the couple’s public and open cohabitation as husband and wife after the alleged wedlock (c) the birth and baptismal certificate of children born during such wedlock and (d) the mention of such nuptial in subsequent documents (Balogbog v. CA, G.R No. 83598, March 7, 1997).

NATURE OF MARRIAGE Q: What is meant by the law when it declares marriage as an inviolable social institution?

KINDS OF REQUISITES

A: Marriage is an institution in which the community is deeply interested. The State has surrounded it with safeguards to maintain its purity, continuity and permanence. The security and stability of the State are largely dependent on it. It is in the interest and duty of each member of the community to prevent the bringing about of a condition that would shake its foundation and lead to its destruction. The incidents of the status are governed by law, not by will of the parties (Beso v. Daguman, A.M. No. MTJ-99-1211, January 28, 2000 [citing Jimenez v. Republic, G.R. No. L-12790, August 31,1960]).

ESSENTIAL REQUISITES Q: What are the essential requisites of marriage? A: 1. 2.

Q: What constitutes legal capacity of the parties to marry?

Q: Distinguish marriage from an ordinary contract:

A: ASL 1. 2. 3.

A: MARRIAGE

Legal capacity of the contracting parties who must be a male and a female; Consent freely given in the presence of the solemnizing officer. (Art. 2, FC)

ORDINARY CONTRACT

Age – at least 18 years Sex – between male and female Lack of legal impediment to marry

As a contract Special contract Sui Generis contract

Merely a contract

23


CIVIL LAW Q: Are there other requirements, taking into consideration the age of the parties to the marriage, for the validity of such marriage?

2. 3.

their personal declaration that they shall take each other as husband and wife; and in the presence of not less that 2 witnesses of legal age.

A: Yes, depending upon the age of the contracting party. AGE

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

18 to 21 years old

Parental consent and Marriage counseling

22 to 25 years old

Parental advice and Marriage counseling

Note: No particular form of ceremony or religious rite is required by law (Art. 6, FC).

Q: Is marriage by proxy allowed? A: It depends. 1. If performed in the Philippines – No, it is not allowed, hence the marriage is void. Note: Philippine laws prohibit marriages by proxy. Since the marriage is performed in the Philippines, Philippine laws shall apply following the principle of lex loci celebrationis.

Note: Absence of the additional requirement of parental consent does not make the marriage void but only voidable.

FORMAL REQUISITES 2.

Q: What are the formal requisites of marriage? A: CAL 1. 2. 3.

Marriage Ceremony Authority of the solemnizing officer Valid marriage License (Art. 3, FC)

Note: As to marriages between Filipinos - all marriages solemnized outside the Philippines, in accordance with the laws enforced in said country where they are solemnized, and valid there as such, shall also be valid here in the country, except those prohibited under Art. 35 (1), (2), (4), (5), (6), 36, 37 and 38. (Art. 26, FC)

EFFECT OF ABSENCE OF REQUISITES Q: What is the status of marriage in case of: 1.

SOLEMNIZING AUTHORITY

Absence of any of the essential requisites?

Q: Who are authorized to solemnize marriage?

A: Void ab initio (Art. 4) 2.

A: It depends: 1. Under ordinary circumstances: a. Incumbent judiciary member – provided, within the court’s (his) jurisdiction b. Priest, rabbi, imam or minister of any church/religious sect duly authorized – provided at least one of the parties belongs to such church or religious sect. c. Consul general, consul or vice-consul – provided both parties are Filipinos and marriage takes place abroad. d. Mayors (Arts. 444 and 445 of LGC)

Absence of any of the formal requisites? A: GR: Void ab initio. (Art. 4) XPNs: Valid even in the absence of formal requisite: a. Marriages exempt from license requirement b. Either or both parties believed in good faith that the solemnizing officer had the proper authority. (Art. 35 [2])

3.

Defect in essential requisites?

Note: Includes “Acting Mayor”

A: Voidable 4.

2.

Irregularity in formal requisites? A: Valid, but the party responsible for such irregularity shall be civilly, criminally or administratively liable. (Art. 4 par. 2) MARRIAGE CEREMONY

Q: What constitutes a valid marriage ceremony? A: That which takes place with the: 1. personal appearance of the contracting parties before the solemnizing officer; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

If performed abroad – Whether it is allowed or not depends upon the law of the place where the marriage was celebrated (lex loci celebrationis).

24

Marriages in articulo mortis: a. Ship captain or airplane chief – provided the marriage is performed: i. During voyage, even during stopovers ii. Between passengers or crew members b. Military commander of a unit who is a commissioned officer – provided the marriage is performed: i. In absence of chaplain; ii. Within zone of military operation; iii. Between members of the armed forces or civilians

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Note: In case of a marriage solemnized by a mayor outside of his territorial jurisdiction, LGC is silent on the matter, hence the abovementioned case may be applied by analogy.

Q: What must the solemnizing officer in a marriage in articulo mortis do after solemnizing such marriage? A: He shall state in an affidavit executed before the local civil registrar or any other person legally authorized to administer oaths, that the marriage was performed in articulo mortis and that he took the necessary steps to ascertain the ages and relationship of the contracting parties and the absence of a legal impediment to the marriage. (Art. 29, FC)

Q: What is the exception to the rule requiring authority of the solemnizing officer? A: Marriages contracted with either or both parties believing in good faith that the solemnizing officer had the authority to do so. (Art. 35 (2)) MARRIAGE LICENSE

Q: Will the solemnizing officer’s failure to execute an affidavit that he solemnized the marriage in articulo mortis affect the validity of marriage?

Q: What is the period of the validity of a marriage license? A: The license shall be valid in any part of the Philippines for a period of 120 days from the date of issue, and shall be deemed automatically cancelled at the expiration of said period if the contracting parties have not made use of it. (Art. 20, FC).

A: No. The marriage will still be valid. The Law permits marriages in articulo mortis without marriage license but it requires the solemnizing officer to make an affidavit and file it. However, such affidavit is not an essential or formal requisite of marriage, the same with a Marriage Contract. The signing of the marriage contract and the affidavit is only required for the purpose of evidencing the act, not a requisite of marriage. It is the obligation of the solemnizing officer. It does not affect the validity of marriage (De Loria v. Felix, G.R. No. L-9005, Jun. 20, 1958).

Note: If the parties contracted marriage after the lapse of 120 days from the issuance of the marriage license, such marriage shall be considered void for lack of marriage license.

Q: What is the effect in the issuance of a marriage license if a party who is required by law to obtain parental advice or undergo marriage counseling failed to do so?

Q: What are the authorized venues of marriage?

A: The issuance of marriage license is suspended for 3 months from the completion of publication of the application.

A: GR: Must be solemnized publicly within the jurisdiction of the authority of the solemnizing officer: 1. Chambers of the judge or in open court 2. Church, chapel or temple 3. Office of the consul-general, consul or vice-consul

Note: The marriage is valid in this case.

Q: What is the status of the marriage if the parties get married within said 3-month period?

XPNs: 1. Marriage at the point of death 2. Marriage in remote places 3. Marriage at a house or place designated by the parties with the written request to the solemnizing officer to that effect.

A: It depends. 1. If the parties did not obtain a marriage license – the marriage shall be void for lack of marriage license. 2. If the parties were able to obtain a marriage license – the marriage shall be valid without prejudice to the actions that may be taken against the guilty party.

Note: This provision is only directory, not mandatory. The requirement that the marriage be solemnized in a particular venue or a public place is not an essential requisite for the validity of the marriage.

Q: Who issues the marriage license?

Q: What is the status of a marriage solemnized by a judge outside of his territorial jurisdiction?

A: The local civil registrar of the city or municipality where either contracting party habitually resides (Art. 9, FC).

A: The marriage is valid. Under Art. 3 of the FC, one of the formal requisites of marriage is the "authority of the solemnizing officer." Under Art. 7, marriage may be solemnized by, among others, "any incumbent member of the judiciary within the court's jurisdiction." Art. 8, which is a directory provision, refers only to the venue of the marriage ceremony and does not alter or qualify the authority of the solemnizing officer as provided in the preceding provision. Non-compliance herewith will not invalidate the marriage. (Navarro v. Domagtoy, A.M. No. MTJ-96-1088. July 19, 1996)

Note: Obtaining a marriage license in a place other than where either party habitually resides is a mere irregularity.

FOREIGN NATIONAL Q: What is required from the contracting parties before a marriage license can be obtained? A: Each of the contracting parties shall file a separate or individual sworn application with the proper local civil registrar (Art. 11, FC).

25


CIVIL LAW Note: When either or both of the contracting parties are citizens of a foreign country, it shall be necessary for them to submit a certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage, issued by their respective diplomatic or consular officials.

Note: The five-year period of cohabitation must have been a period of legal union had it not been for the absence of marriage.

3.

Stateless persons or refugees from other country shall, in lieu of the certificate of legal capacity herein required, submit an affidavit stating the circumstances showing such capacity to contract marriage. (Art 21, FC)

4.

5.

Q: What is the status of a marriage celebrated on the basis of a license issued without the required Certificate of Legal Capacity? A: The marriage is valid as this is merely an irregularity in complying with a formal requirement of the law in procuring a marriage license, which will not affect the validity of the marriage. (Garcia v. Recio, G.R. 138322, October 2, 2001)

Q: Pepito was married to Teodulfa. Teodulfa was shot by him resulting in her death. After 1 year and 8 months, he married Norma without any marriage license. In lieu thereof, they executed an affidavit stating that they had lived together as husband and wife for at least five years and were thus exempt from securing a marriage license. What is the status of their marriage?

EXCEPTIONS Q: What are the marriages exempt from the license requirement?

A: Void for lack of marriage license. To be exempt from the license requirement under the 5-year cohabitation rule, the cohabitation should be in the nature of a perfect union that is valid under the law but rendered imperfect only by the absence of the marriage contract and is characterized by continuity, that is, unbroken, and exclusivity, meaning no third party was involved at anytime within the 5 years. It should be a period of legal union had it not been for the absence of the marriage.

A: MARCOS-Z 1. 2.

3.

Marriages among Muslims or members of ethnic cultural communities Marriages in Articulo mortis a. Solemnized by a ship captain or airplane pilot b. within Zones of military operation Marriages in Remote places

In this case, Pepito and Norma are not exempt from the marriage license requirement because at the time of Pepito and Norma's marriage, it cannot be said that they have lived with each other as husband and wife for at least five years prior to their wedding day because from the time Pepito's first marriage was dissolved to the time of his marriage with Norma, only about twenty months had elapsed.

Note: “Remote Place” - no means of transportation to enable the party to personally appear before the solemnizing local civil registrar.

4. 5.

Marriages between parties Cohabiting for at least 5 years Marriages solemnized Outside the Philippines where no marriage license is required by the country where it was solemnized.

Q: Would your answer be the same if Pepito was separated in fact from Teodulfa?

Q: What are the requisites for the 5-year cohabitation as an exception to the marriage license requirement?

A: Yes, the marriage is still void. Even if they were separated in fact, and thereafter both Pepito and Norma had started living with each other that has already lasted for five years, the fact remains that Pepito had a subsisting marriage at the time when he started cohabiting with Norma. It is immaterial that when they lived with each other, Pepito had already been separated in fact from his lawful spouse. The subsistence of the marriage even where there was actual severance of the filial companionship between the spouses cannot make any cohabitation by either spouse with any third party as being one as "husband and wife" (Niñal v. Bayadog, GR No. 133778, March 14, 2000).

A: The requisites are: 5D PAS 1. Living together as husband and wife at least 5 years before the marriage. The 5 year period must be characterized by: a. Exclusivity – the partners must live together exclusively, with no other partners, during the whole 5-year period. b. Continuity – such cohabitation was unbroken. Note: The period is counted from the date of celebration of marriage. It should be the years immediately before the day of the marriage.

2.

No legal impediment to marry each other During the period of cohabitation.


Fact of absence of legal impediment must be Present at the time of the marriage Parties must execute an Affidavit that they are living together as husband and wife for 5 years and that they do not have any impediment to marry Solemnizing officer must execute a Sworn statement that he had ascertained the qualifications of the parties and found no legal impediment to their marriage (Manzano v. Sanches, March 1, 2001).

26

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

country where it is celebrated, if valid there, shall be valid here as such.

Q: What are the distinctions between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?

XPNs: It shall be void, even if it is valid in the foreign country where the marriage was celebrated, if any of the following circumstances are present: LIM – 2B – 2P 1. Lack of legal capacity even with parental consent (e.g. party is below 18); 2. Incestuous; 3. Contracted through Mistake of one party as to the identity of the other; 4. Contracted following the annulment or declaration of nullity of a previous marriage but Before partition, etc.; 5. Bigamous or polygamous except as provided in Art. 41 FC on terminable bigamous marriages; 6. Void due to Psychological incapacity; 7. Void for reasons of Public policy

A: MARRIAGE LICENSE Authorization by the state to celebrate marriage. Formal requisite of marriage.

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE Best evidence of the existence of the marriage. Not an essential or formal requisite of marriage.

Q: Guillermo and Josefa lived together as husband and wife, but there is doubt as to whether they got married, since no record of the marriage existed in the civil registry but their relatives and friends maintained that the two in fact married each other and lived as husband and wife for more than half a century. Is Guillermo married to Josefa?

Q: Suppose in a valid mixed marriage (marriage between a citizen of a foreign country and a citizen of the Philippines) the foreign spouse obtained a divorce decree abroad and was capacitated to remarry. 1. May the Filipino spouse remarry despite the fact that divorce is not valid in the Philippines? 2. Will your answer be the same if it was a valid marriage between Filipinos?

A: They are presumed to be married. In this jurisdiction, every intendment of the law leans toward legitimizing matrimony. Persons dwelling together apparently in marriage are presumed to be in fact married. This is the usual order of things in society and, if the parties are not what they hold themselves out to be, they would be living in constant violation of the common rules of law and propriety. Semper praesumitur pro matrimonio – always presume marriage (Vda.De la Rosa v. Heirs of Vda. De Damian, G.R. No. 103028, October 10, 1997).

A: 1.

Note: Although a marriage contract is considered a primary evidence of marriage, its absence is not always proof that no marriage took place (Delgado Vda. De la Rosa, et al. v. Heirs of Marciana Rustia Vda. De Damian, et al., G.R. No. 103028, October 10, 1997).

It should be noted however that the foreign spouse must be capacitated to remarry before the Filipino spouse may also be capacitated to remarry.

EFFECT OF MARRIAGE CELEBRATED ABROAD AND FOREIGN DIVORCE

Note: It is true that owing to the nationality principle embodied in Art. 16 of the NCC, only Philippine nationals are covered by the policy against absolute divorces, the same being considered contrary to our concept of public policy and morality. Nevertheless, aliens may obtain divorces abroad which may be recognized in the Philippines, provided they are valid according to their national law (Van Dorn v. Romillo, Jr., GR No. L-68470, October 8, 1985).

Q: What rules govern the validity of marriage? A: It depends: 1. As to its extrinsic validity –Lex loci celebrationis Note: Locus regit actum (the act is governed by the law of the place where it is done) - is adhered to here in the Philippines as regards the extrinsic validity of marriage.

2.

Yes, the Filipino spouse is likewise capacitated. Divorce validly obtained abroad by the alien spouse capacitating him/her to remarry will likewise allow the Filipino spouse to remarry. This is the rule laid down in Art. 26 (2) of the FC.

2.

As to its intrinsic validity – Personal law Note: Personal law may either be the national law or the law of the place where the person is domiciled.

It depends. What is material in this case is the citizenship of the spouse who obtained a divorce decree abroad at the time the decree was obtained and not their citizenship at the time the marriage was celebrated. If the Filipino spouse was naturalized as a citizen of a foreign country before he/she obtains a divorce decree and was thereafter capacitated to remarry, the Filipino spouse will be capacitated to remarry.

If the person involved is a stateless person, domiciliary rule applies, otherwise, lex nationalii applies.

Q: What is the status of marriages between Filipinos solemnized abroad in accordance with the law in force in said country?

Note: The naturalization of one of the parties, as well as the divorce decree obtained by him or her, must be proven as a fact under our rules on evidence. The foreign law under which the divorce was obtained must likewise be proven as our courts cannot take judicial notice of foreign laws.

A: GR: Marriages between Filipinos solemnized outside the Philippines in accordance with the law of the foreign

27


CIVIL LAW However, if the Filipino spouse remained to be a citizen of the Philippines when he/she obtained a divorce decree abroad, such decree will not be recognized in the Philippines even if that spouse is subsequently naturalized as a citizen of a foreign country. This is so because at the time the spouse obtained the divorce decree, he/she was still a citizen of the Philippines and being naturalized afterwards does not cure this defect (Republic v. Iyoy, G.R. No. 152577, September 21, 2005). Note: Burden of Proof lies with "the party who alleges the existence of a fact or thing necessary in the prosecution or defense of an action." Since the divorce was a defense raised by respondent, the burden of proving the pertinent foreign law validating it falls squarely upon him. Courts cannot take judicial notice of foreign laws. The power of judicial notice must be exercised with caution, and every reasonable doubt upon the subject should be resolved in the negative (Garcia v. Recio, G.R. No. 138322, October 2, 2001).

VOID AND VOIDABLE MARRIAGES Q: What may be the status of marriages? A: 1. 2. 3.

Valid Void Voidable

Q: What are the distinctions between void and voidable marriages? A: VOID MARRIAGE

VOIDABLE MARRIAGE Status of marriage

Void ab initio

Voidable: Valid until annulled Petition filed

Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

Annulment of Marriage

Who may file GR: Solely by the husband or wife. XPN: Any real party in interest, only in the following cases: GR: Offended Spouse 1. Nullity of marriage cases commenced before the XPN: effectivity of A.M. No. 02-11-10 - March 15, 2003. 1.Parents or guardians in cases of insanity 2. Marriages celebrated during the effectivity of the Civil 2.Parents or guardians before the party reaches 21 Code (De Dios Carlos v. Sandoval, G.R. No. 179922, years old on the ground of Lack of Parental Authority December 16, 2008). Prescriptive Period GR: Within 5 years from discovery of the ground XPN: No prescriptive period 1. Lifetime of spouse in cases of insanity 2. Before the party reaches 21 in cases where parents or guardians may file annulment How may be impugned Either directly or collaterally


Judicial declaration is necessary

28

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Children GR: Illegitimate; XPN: Those conceived or born of marriages declared void under: 1. Art. 36 (Psychological incapacity), or 2. Art. 52 in relation to Art. 53

Legitimate

Property GR: governed by rules on absolute community Property relations are governed by rules on co-ownership

XPN: unless another system is agreed upon in marriage settlement Judicial Declaration

GR: Not necessary that there is judicial declaration XPN: in case of remarriage

Necessary

VOID MARRIAGE

1.

If the change is artificial – No, he/she cannot. Note: The sex or gender at the time of birth shall be taken into account. He is still, in the eyes of the law, a man although because of the artificial intervention, he now has the physiological characteristics of a woman (Silverio v. Republic, G.R. No. 174689, October22, 2007)

Q: What are the marriages that are void ab initio? A: LAaMB- PIPS-18 1. Absence of any of the essential or formal requisites of marriage; 2. Marriages contracted by any party below 18 years of age even with the consent of parents or guardians; 3. Solemnized without License, except those marriages that are exempt from the license requirement; 4. Solemnized by any person not Authorized to perform marriages unless such marriages were contracted with either or both parties believing in good faith that the solemnizing officer had the legal authority to do so; 5. Contracted through Mistake of one of the contracting parties as to the identity of the other; 6. Bigamous or polygamous marriages; 7. Subsequent marriages which are void under Art. 53 FC; 8. Marriages contracted by any party, who at the time of the celebration of the marriage, was Psychologically incapacitated (Art. 36, FC); 9. Incestuous Marriages (Art. 37, FC); 10. Marriages declared void because they are contrary to Public policy (Art. 38, FC).

2.

If the change is natural – He/she can.

Q: Jennifer was registered as a female in her Certificate of Live Birth. In her early years, she suffered from clitoral hypertrophy and was found out that her ovarian structures had minimized. She also alleged that she has no breasts or menstruation. She was diagnosed to have Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) a condition where persons thus afflicted possess secondary male characteristics because of too much secretion of androgen. She then alleged that for all interests and appearances as well as in mind and emotion, she has become a male person. What is Jennifer’s gender or sex? A: Male. Where the person is biologically or naturally intersex the determining factor in his gender classification would be what the individual, having reached the age of majority, with good reason thinks of his/her sex. Jennifer here thinks of himself as a male and considering that his body produces high levels of androgen, there is preponderant biological support for considering him as being male. Sexual development in cases of intersex persons makes the gender classification at birth inconclusive. It is at maturity that the gender of such persons is fixed.

ABSENCE OF REQUISITES Q: What is the status of a marriage between Filipinos if the parties thereto are of the same sex?

Jennifer has simply let nature take its course and has not taken unnatural steps to arrest or interfere with what he was born with. And accordingly, he has already ordered his life to that of a male. He could have undergone treatment and taken steps, like taking lifelong medication, to force his body into the categorical mold of a female but he did not. He chose not to do so. Nature has instead taken its due course in his development to reveal more fully his male characteristics.

A: Void. For a marriage to be valid, it must be between persons of opposite sexes. Q: In case of a change in sex, can the person who has undergone said change be allowed to marry another of the same sex as he/she originally had? A: It depends upon the cause for the change in sex.

29


CIVIL LAW To him belongs the primordial choice of what courses of action to take along the path of his sexual development and maturation. In the absence of evidence that he is an “incompetent” and in the absence of evidence to show that classifying him as a male will harm other members of society who are equally entitled to protection under the law, the Court affirms as valid and justified his position and his personal judgment of being a male (Republic v. Jennifer Cagandahan, G.R. No. 166676, Sep. 12, 2008).

essential or formal requisites shall generally render the marriage void ab initio and that, while an irregularity in the formal requisites shall not affect the validity of the marriage, the party or parties responsible for the irregularity shall be civilly, criminally and administratively liable (Cosca v. Palaypayon, A.M. No. MTJ-92-721, September 30, 1994). Q: For the marriage to be void, on what circumstance must the mistake refer to?

Q: What is the status of marriages where one or both of the parties are below 18 years of age?

A: For marriage to be rendered void, the mistake in identity must be with reference to the actual physical identity of other party, not merely a mistake in the name, personal qualifications, character, social standing, etc. (Rabuya, p. 213)

A: It is void for lack of legal capacity. Q: Would your answer be the same if their parents consented to the marriage?

Q: If a person contracts a subsequent marriage during the subsistence of a prior marriage, what is the status of the subsequent marriage?

A: Yes. Parental consent does not have the effect of curing this defect. Q: What if the marriage was a mixed marriage where the Filipino is 18 years old but the foreigner is below 17 years of age. What is the status of the marriage?

A: GR: Void for being bigamous or polygamous, even if celebrated abroad and valid there as such. XPN: Valid if it is a terminable bigamous marriage.

A: It depends. If the national law of the foreigner recognizes 17 year old persons to be capacitated to marry, then their marriage is valid, otherwise it is void.

Q: When is a marriage considered bigamous? A: It is when a person contracts a second or subsequent marriage before the former marriage has been legally dissolved, or before the absent spouse has been declared presumptively dead by means of judgment rendered in the proper proceedings. (Art. 349, RPC)

Q: What is the effect of lack of authority of solemnizing officer? A: GR: The marriage is void ab initio.

Note: The same applies to polygamy.

XPN: 1. Express - If either or both parties believed in good faith that the solemnizer had the legal authority to do so. (Art. 35, FC) 2. Implied - Article 10 in relation to Article 26 of the Family Code. If the marriage between a foreigner and a Filipino citizen abroad solemnized by a Philippine consul assigned in that country is recognized as valid in the host country, such marriage shall be considered as valid in the Philippines. (Sta. Maria Jr., Persons and Family Relations Law)

Q: Arnold, a Filipino, and Britney, an American, both residents of California, decided to get married in their local parish, two years after their marriage, Britney obtained a divorce in California. While in Boracay, Arnold met Jenny, a Filipina, who was vacationing there. Arnold fell in love with her. After a brief courtship and complying with all the requirements, they got married in Hong Kong to avoid publicity, it being Arnold’s second marriage. Is his marriage with Jenny valid? (2006 Bar Question) A: Yes. The marriage will not fall under Art. 35(4) on bigamous marriages, provided that Britney obtained an absolute divorce, capacitating her to remarry under her national law. Consequently, the marriage between Arnold and Jenny may be valid as long as it was solemnized and valid in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.

Q: Judge Palaypayon solemnized marriages even without the requisite marriage license. Thus, some couples were able to get married by the simple expedient of paying the marriage fees. As a consequence, their marriage contracts did not reflect any marriage license number. In addition, the judge did not sign their marriage contracts and did not indicate the date of the solemnization, the reason being that he allegedly had to wait for the marriage license to be submitted by the parties. Such marriage contracts were not filed with the Local Civil Registry. Are such marriages valid?

Q: May a person contract a valid subsequent marriage before a first marriage is declared void ab initio by a competent court? A: No. The Supreme Court has consistently held that a judicial declaration of nullity is required before a valid subsequent marriage can be contracted; or else, what transpires is a bigamous marriage, reprehensible and immoral. Article 40 of the Family Code expressly requires a

A: No. The Family Code pertinently provides that the formal requisites of marriage are, inter alia, a valid marriage license, except in the cases provided for therein. Complementarily, it declares that the absence of any of the UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

30

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS judicial declaration of nullity of marriage (In re: Salvador v. Serafico, A.M. 2008-20-SC, March 15, 2010).

d. clearly explained in the decision Note: Expert evidence may be given by qualified psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.

Note: Under Art. 40 of the FC, before one can contract a second marriage on the ground of nullity of the first marriage, there must first be a final judgment declaring the first marriage void. If a party fails to secure a judicial declaration of nullity of the first marriage, he or she runs the risk of being charged with bigamy as the marital bond or vinculum in the first nuptial subsists (Mercado v. Tan GR: 137110, August, 2000; Te v. CA GR No: 126746, November 29, 2009).

Q: Is a physician’s examination required in establishing psychological incapacity as a ground for declaration of nullity?

Q: What are the special cases when subsequent marriage is allowed?

A: No. If the totality of evidence presented is enough to sustain a finding of psychological incapacity, physician’s examination of the person concerned need not be resorted to.

A: 1.

Q: What are the guidelines set by the Court to aid it in its disposition of cases involving psychological incapacity?

2.

Marriage between a Filipino and a foreigner and procurement by the alien spouse of a valid divorce decree abroad, capacitating him/her to remarry. Terminable bigamous marriages (Art. 41)

A: 1. 2.

PSYCHOLOGICAL INCAPACITY Q: What is psychological incapacity? A: There is no exact definition for psychological incapacity, but it was defined by the Supreme Court as “no less than a mental (not physical) incapacity that causes a party to be truly incognitive of the basic marital covenants that concomitantly must be assumed and discharged by the parties to the marriage.”

3.

The determination is left solely with the courts on a caseto-case basis. Determination of PI “depends on the facts of the case. Each must be judged, not on the basis of a priori assumptions, predilections or generalizations but according to its own facts (Republic v. Dagdag, G.R. No. 109975, February 9, 2001).

6.

The intendment of the law has been to confine the meaning of "psychological incapacity" to the most serious cases of personality disorders clearly demonstrative of an utter insensitivity or inability to give meaning and significance to the marriage (Santos v. CA, G.R. No. 112019, January 4, 1995).

7.

4. 5.

8.

Q: What are the requisites of psychological incapacity? A: 1.

2. 3.

Juridical antecedence – must be rooted in the history of the party antedating the marriage, although overt manifestations may arise only after such marriage. Gravity – grave enough to bring about the disability of the party to assume the essential marital obligations. Permanence or incurability – must be incurable. If curable, the cure should be beyond the means of the parties involved.

Burden of proof to show the nullity of the marriage belongs to the plaintiff; The root cause of the psychological incapacity must be: (a) medically or clinically identified, (b) alleged in the complaint, (c) sufficiently proven by experts and (d) clearly explained in the decision. The incapacity must be proven to be existing at “the time of the celebration” of the marriage. Such incapacity must also be shown to be medically or clinically permanent or incurable. Such illness must be grave enough to bring about the disability of the party to assume the essential obligations of marriage. The essential marital obligations must be those embraced by Arts. 68 up to 71 of the FC as regards the husband and wife, as well as Arts. 220, 221 and 225 of the same Code in regard to parents and their children. Such non-complied marital obligation(s) must also be stated in the petition, proven by evidence and included in the text of the decision. Interpretations given by the National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, while not controlling or decisive, should be given great respect by our courts. The trial court must order the prosecuting attorney or fiscal and the Solicitor General to appear as counsel for the state. No decision shall be handed down unless the Solicitor General issues a certification, which will be quoted in the decision, briefly stating therein his reasons for his agreement or opposition, as the case may be, to the petition (Danilo A. Aurelio v. Vide Ma. Corazon P. Aurelio, G.R. No. 175367, June 6, 2011).

Q: What are some instances where allegations of psychological incapacity were not sustained?

Q: How is psychological incapacity proven? A: The root cause of psychological incapacity must be: a. medically or clinically identified b. alleged in the complaint c. sufficiently proven by experts

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1.

Mere showing of irreconcilable differences and conflicting personalities (Carating-Siayngco v. Siayngco, G.R. No. 158896, Oct, 27. 2004).

2.

Mere sexual infidelity or perversion, do not by themselves constitute psychological incapacity, as well as immaturity and irresponsibility.


CIVIL LAW Note: It must be shown that these acts are manifestations of a disordered personality which would make respondent completely unable to discharge the essential obligations of a marital state, not merely youth, immaturity or sexual promiscuity (Dedelvs CA, G.R. no. 151867, January29, 2004).

3.

Disagreements regarding money matters (Tongol v. Tongol, G.R. No. 157610, October 19, 2007).

4.

Mere abandonment.

sexual intimacy which brings the spouses wholeness and oneness (Chi Ming Tsoi v. CA, G.R. No. 119190, January 16, 1997). Alternative Answer: None of them are necessarily psychologically incapacitated. Being a nagger, etc., are at best only physical manifestations indicative of psychological incapacity. More than just showing the manifestations of incapacity, the petitioner must show that the respondent is incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage and that it is also essential that he must be shown to be incapable of doing so due to some psychological, not physical illness. (Republic v. Quintero-Hamano, G.R. No. 149498, May 20, 2004)

Note: There must be proof of natal or supervening disabling element in the personality factor that effectively incapacitates a person from accepting and complying with the Essential Marital obligations of Marriage.(Republic v. Quintero-Hamano, G.R. No. 149498, May 20, 2004).

5.

Alternative Answer: A congenital sexual pervert may be psychologically incapacitated if his perversion incapacitates him from discharging his marital obligations. For instance, if his perversion is of such a nature as to preclude any normal sexual activity with his spouse.

Sexual infidelity (Republic v. Dagdag, GR No. 109975, February 9, 2001).

Q: Would the state of being of unsound mind or the concealment of drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, homosexuality or lesbianism be considered indicia of psychological incapacity, if existing at the inception of marriage? (2002 Bar Question)

INCESTUOUS MARRIAGES Q: What marriages are considered incestuous?

A: In the case of Santos v. CA (240 SCRA 20, 1995), the Supreme Court held that being of unsound mind, drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, lesbianism or homosexuality may be indicia of psychological incapacity, depending on the degree of severity of the disorder. However, the concealment of drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, lesbianism or homosexuality is a ground of annulment of marriage.

A: Those marriages: 1. Between ascendants and descendants of any degree; 2. Between brothers and sisters whether of the full or half blood. (Art. 37, FC) Note: Regardless of whether the relationship between the parties is legitimate or illegitimate.

Q: What are the marriages that are void by reason of public policy?

Q: Art. 36 of the FC provides that a marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall be void.

A: Marriages between: 1. Collateral blood relatives (legitimate or Illegitimate) up th to the 4 civil degree; 2. Step-parents & step-children; 3. Parents-in-law & children-in-law; 4. Adopting parent & the adopted child; 5. Surviving spouse of the adopting parent & the adopted child; 6. Surviving spouse of the adopted child & the adopter; 7. Adopted child & legitimate child of the adopter; 8. Adopted children of the same adopter; 9. Parties where one, with the intention to marry the other, kills the latter’s spouse, or his/her spouse. (Art. 38, FC)

Choose the spouse listed below who is psychologically incapacitated. a. Nagger b. Gay or Lesbian c. Congenital sexual pervert d. Gambler e. Alcoholic (2006 Bar Question) A: B and C. To be sure, the existence and concealment of these conditions at the inception of marriage renders the marriage contract voidable (Art 46, FC). They may serve as indicia of psychological incapacity, depending on the degree and severity of the disorder (Santos v. CA, G.R. No. 112019, January 4, 1995). Hence, if the condition of homosexuality, lesbianism or sexual perversion, existing at the inception of the marriage, is of such a degree as to prevent any form of sexual intimacy, any of them may qualify as a ground for psychological incapacity. The law provides that the husband and wife are obliged to live together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity (Art. 68, FC). The mandate is actually the spontaneous, mutual affection between the spouses/ in the natural order it is UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Note: The list is exclusive. If not falling within this enumeration, the marriage shall be valid. Such as marriages between: 1. Adopted and Illegitimate child of the adopter 2. Step brother and step sister 3. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law 4. Parties who have been guilty of adultery or concubinage

Q: Amor gave birth to Thelma when she was 15 years old. Thereafter, Amor met David and they got married when she was 20 years old. David has a son, Julian, with his ex-

32

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS girlfriend Sandra. Can Julian and Thelma get married? (2007 Bar Question)

barred by res judicata. There is only one cause of action which is the nullity of the marriage. Hence, when the second case was filed based on another ground, there was a splitting of a cause of action which is prohibited. The petitioner is estopped from asserting that the first marriage had no marriage license because in the first case, he impliedly admitted the same when he did not question the absence of a marriage license. Litigants are provided with the options on the course of action to take in order to obtain judicial relief. Once an option has been taken and a case is filed in court, the parties must ventilate all matters and relevant issues therein. The losing party who files another action regarding the same controversy will be needlessly squandering time, effort and financial resources because he is barred by law from litigating the same controversy all over again (Mallion v. Alcantara, G.R. No. 141528, October 31, 2006).

A: If the marriage was solemnized during the effectivity of the NCC, the marriage between stepbrother and stepsister is void. However, under the FC, the marriage may be valid. PRESCRIPTION Q: What is the prescriptive period of the action or defense for the declaration of absolute nullity of marriage? A: None. The time for filing an action or defense for the declaration of absolute nullity of marriage, whether in a direct or collateral manner, does not prescribe. (Art. 39, FC) Note: Any of the parties in a void marriage can file an action for the declaration of nullity of marriage even though such party is the wrongdoer.

Q: Is the declaration of nullity of marriage applied prospectively?

Q: What is the effect of death of a party in a petition for declaration of nullity of marriages? A: 1.

2.

A: No, it retroacts to the date of the celebration of the marriage. However, although the judicial declaration of nullity of a marriage on the ground of psychological incapacity retroacts to the date of the celebration of the marriage insofar as the vinculum between the parties is concerned, it must be noted that the marriage is not without legal consequences or effects. One such consequence or effect is the incurring of criminal liability for bigamy. To hold otherwise would be to render nugatory the State's penal laws on bigamy as it would allow individuals to deliberately ensure that each marital contract be flawed in some manner, and to thus escape the consequences of contracting multiple marriages (Tenebro v. CA, G.R. No. 150758, February 18, 2004).

Before the entry of judgment – The court shall order the case closed and terminated without prejudice to the settlement of estate in proper proceedings. After the entry of judgment – The decision shall be binding upon the parties and their successors-ininterest in the settlement of the estate.

Q: May the heirs of a deceased person file a petition for the declaration of nullity of his marriage after his death? A: No. The advent of the Rule on Declaration of Absolute Nullity of Void Marriages marks the beginning of the end of the right of the heirs of the deceased spouse to bring a nullity of marriage case against the surviving spouse. The heirs can still protect their successional right, for, compulsory or intestate heirs can still question the validity of the marriage of the spouses, not in a proceeding for declaration of nullity but upon the death of a spouse in a proceeding for the settlement of the estate of the deceased spouse filed in the regular courts.

Q: While his marriage is subsisting, Veronico married Leticia, which marriage was later declared void on the ground of psychological incapacity. When Veronico got married for the third time, Leticia filed a case for bigamy against him. For his defense, Veronico claims that effects of the nullity of his marriage with Leticia retroacts to the date when it was contracted, hence, he is not guilty of bigamy for want of an essential element – the existence of a valid previous marriage. Rule on Veronico’s argument.

However, with respect to nullity of marriage cases commenced before the effectivity of A.M. No. 02-11-10 and marriages celebrated during the effectivity of the NCC, the doctrine laid down in the Niñal v. Bayadog case still applies; that the children have the personality to file the petition to declare the nullity of marriage of their deceased father to their stepmother as it affects their successional rights (De Dios Carlos v. Sandoval, G.R. No. 179922, December 16, 2008).

A: No. Art. 349 of the RPC penalizes the mere act of contracting a second or subsequent marriage during the subsistence of a previous valid marriage. Here, as soon as the second marriage to Leticia was celebrated, the crime of bigamy had already been consummated as the second marriage was contracted during the subsistence of the valid first marriage (Tenebro v. CA, G.R. No. 150758, February 18, 2004).

Q: If the court denies a petition for declaration of nullity of marriage based on psychological incapacity, may a party to the said case file another petition for declaration of its nullity based on the absence of marriage license?

Q: Is the judicial declaration of absolute nullity of a void marriage necessary?

A: A petition to declare the marriage void due to absence of marriage license, filed after the court denied a petition to declare the marriage void due to psychological incapacity, is

A: 1.

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For purposes of remarriage – judicial declaration of absolute nullity is necessary. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW Q: May a marriage be terminated extra-judicially? Note: In the instance where a party who has previously contracted a marriage which is legally unassailable, he is required by law to prove that the previous one was an absolute nullity. But this he may do on the basis solely of a final judgment declaring such previous marriage void. 2.

A: Yes. The recording of the affidavit of reappearance of the absent spouse in the civil registry of the residence of the parties to the subsequent marriage shall automatically terminate the terminable bigamous marriage unless there is a judgment annulling the previous marriage or declaring it void ab initio. (Art. 42)

For purposes other than remarriage – no judicial action is necessary.

In Art 42, FC, no judicial proceeding to annul a subsequent marriage contracted under Art. 41 is necessary. Also, the termination of the subsequent marriage by affidavit provided for in Art. 42 does not preclude the filing of an action in court to prove the reappearance of the absentee and obtain a declaration of dissolution or termination of the subsequent marriage (SSS v. Jarque Vda. De Bailon, G.R. No. 165545, March 24, 2006).

Note: Here, evidence may be adduced, testimonial or documentary, to prove the existence of the grounds rendering such a previous marriage an absolute nullity. But these need not be limited solely to an earlier final judgment of a court declaring such marriage void. (Rabuya, Civil Law Reviewer, 2009 ed.)

SUBSEQUENT MARRIAGE

Q: When are non-bigamous subsequent marriages void?

Q: In what cases may a person enter into a valid subsequent marriage during the subsistence of a prior marriage?

A: The subsequent marriage of a person whose prior marriage has been annulled but contracted said subsequent marriage without compliance with Art. 52, FC, shall be void.

A: In case of terminable bigamous marriages. If before the celebration of the subsequent marriage: ABD 1. The Absent spouse had been absent for 4 consecutive years (ordinary absence) or 2 consecutive years (extra-ordinary absence); 2. The present spouse has a well-founded Belief that the absent spouse is already dead; 3. There is judicial Declaration of presumptive death in a summary proceeding.

Before he contracts a subsequent marriage, he must first comply with the requirement provided for in Art. 52, viz: The recording in the civil registries and registries of properties of the following: JPDD 1. Judgment of annulment; 2. Partition; 3. Distribution of properties, and 4. Delivery of presumptive legitimes

Note: If both spouses of subsequent marriage acted in bad faith, such marriage is void ab initio.

Q: Ana Rivera had a husband, a Filipino citizen like her, who was among the passengers on board a commercial jet plane which crashed in the Atlantic Ocean ten (10) years earlier and had never been heard of ever since. Believing that her husband had died, Ana married Adolf Cruz Staedler, a divorced German national born of a German father and a Filipino mother residing in Stuttgart. To avoid being required to submit the required certificate of capacity to marry from the German Embassy in Manila, Adolf stated in the application for marriage license stating that Adolf was a Filipino, the couple got married in a ceremony officiated by the Parish Priest of Calamba, Laguna in a beach in Nasugbu, Batangas, as the local parish priest refused to solemnize marriage except in his church. Is the marriage valid? (2008 Bar Question)

Q: Gregorio married Janet. When he was employed overseas, he was informed that Janet left. Five years later, he filed an action for her to be declared presumptively dead without alleging that he wishes to remarry. Will his action prosper? A: No. A petition to declare an absent spouse presumptively dead may not be granted in the absence of any allegation that the spouse present will remarry. Also, there is no showing that Gregorio conducted a search for his missing wife with such diligence as to give rise to a "well-founded belief" that she is dead. The four requisites not having concurred, his action for the declaration of presumptive death of his wife should be denied (Republic v. Nolasco, G.R. No. 94053, March 17, 1993).

A: The issue hinges on whether or not the missing husband was dead or alive at the time of the second marriage.

Q: What is the effect if the parties to the subsequent marriage obtains knowledge that the spouse absent has reappeared?

If the missing husband was in fact dead at the time the second marriage was celebrated, the second marriage was valid. Actual death of a spouse dissolves the marriage ipso facto whether or not the surviving spouse had knowledge of such fact. A declaration of presumptive death even if obtained will not make the marriage voidable because presumptive death will not prevail over the fact of death.

A: None. If the absentee reappears, but no step is taken to terminate the subsequent marriage, either by affidavit or by court action, such absentee's mere reappearance, even if made known to the spouses in the subsequent marriage, will not terminate such marriage (SSS v. Jarque Vda. De Bailon, G.R. No. 165545, March 24, 2006). UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

If the missing husband was in fact alive when the second marriage was celebrated, the second marriage was void ab

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS initio because of a prior subsisting marriage. Had Ana obtained a declaration of presumptive death, the second marriage would have been voidable. In both cases, the fact that the German misrepresented his citizenship to avoid having to present his Certificate of Legal Capacity, or the holding of the ceremony outside the church or beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the solemnizing officer, are all irregularities which do not affect the validity of the marriage. VOIDABLE MARRIAGES Q: What is the effect if a marriage is voidable? A: A voidable marriage is considered valid and produces all its civil effects until it is set aside by final judgment of a competent court in an action for annulment. (Rabuya, 2006, p. 295) Q: What are voidable marriages and how may they be ratified? A: GROUND Marriage of a party 18 years of age or over but below 21 solemnized without the consent of the parents, guardian or person having substitute parental authority over the party, in that order

RATIFICATION

WHO MAY FILE

Contracting party who failed to obtain parental consent: Through free cohabitation after attaining the age of By the contracting party 21. Parent, guardian, or Note: The parents cannot ratify the person having legal charge marriage. The effect of prescription on of the contracting party their part is that they are barred from contesting it but the marriage is not yet cleansed of its defect.

Sane spouse who had no knowledge of the other’s insanity Either party was of unsound mind

Insane spouse: Through free Any relative, guardian or cohabitation after coming to reason. person having legal charge of the insane Insane spouse

WHEN TO FILE

Within 5 years after attaining the age of 21 At any time before such party has reached the age of 21

At any time before the death of either party At any time before the death of either party During a lucid interval or after regaining sanity

Consent of either party was obtained by fraud

Injured party: Through free cohabitation with full knowledge of Injured party the facts constituting the fraud.

Within 5 years after the discovery of fraud

Vices of consent such as force, intimidation or undue influence

Injured party: Through free cohabitation after the vices have Injured party ceased or disappeared.

Within 5 years from the time the force, intimidation or undue influence disappeared or ceased

May not be ratified but action may be barred by prescription only, which is 5 Injured party years after the marriage

Within 5 years after the celebration of marriage

Impotence and STD

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CIVIL LAW Note: The intention of Congress to confine the circumstances that can constitute fraud as ground for annulment of marriage to the 3 cases therein may be deduced from the fact that, of all the causes of nullity enumerated in Art. 85 (now, Art. 46 of the FC), fraud is the only one given special treatment in a subsequent article within the chapter on void and voidable marriages. If its intention were otherwise, Congress would have stopped at Art. 85, for anyway, fraud in general is already mentioned therein as a cause for annulment. (Anaya v. Palaroan, GR L-27930, November 26, 1970)

Q: What is the test in determining unsoundness of mind as a ground for annulment? A: It is essential that the mental incapacity must relate specifically to the contract of marriage and the test is whether the party at the time of the marriage was capable of understanding the nature and consequences of the marriage. (Rabuya, 2006, p. 300) Q: Who may file annulment based on unsound mind?

Q: Under what conditions, respectively, may drug addiction be a ground, if at all, for the declaration of nullity of marriage, annulment of marriage, and legal separation? (1997 Bar Question)

A: GR: The sane spouse has the legal standing to file the action for annulment only in cases where he or she contracted the marriage without knowledge of the other’s insanity.

A: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

XPNs: When the sane spouse had knowledge of the other’s insanity, action for annulment may be filed only by the following; 1. Any relative or guardian or person having legal charge of the insane 2. The insane spouse during a lucid interval or after regaining sanity (Rabuya, p. 301) Q: What are the circumstances constituting fraud under Art. 45(3)?

Annulment of Marriage

A: NPSD 1. Non-disclosure of conviction by final judgment of crime involving moral turpitude; 2. Concealment by the wife of the fact that at the time of marriage, she was Pregnant by a man other than her husband; 3. Concealment of Sexually transmitted disease, regardless of nature, existing at the time of marriage; 4. Concealment of Drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, homosexuality and lesbianism. (Art. 46)

Legal Separation

Note: Where there has been no misrepresentation or fraud, that is, when the husband at the time of the marriage knew that the wife was pregnant, the marriage cannot be annulled (Buccat v. Buccat, G.R. No. 47101, April 25, 1941).

Q: Aurora prayed for the annulment of her marriage with Fernando on the ground of fraud in obtaining her consent after having learned that several months prior to their marriage, Fernando had pre-marital relationship with a close relative of his. According to her, the "nondivulgement to her of such pre-marital secret" constituted fraud in obtaining her consent w/in the contemplation of Art. 46 of the FC. Is the concealment by the husband of a pre-marital relationship with another woman a ground for annulment of marriage?

Q: If drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, lesbianism or homosexuality should occur only during the marriage, would these constitute grounds for a declaration of nullity or for legal separation, or would they render the marriage voidable (2002 Bar Question)? A: In accordance with law, if drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, lesbianism or homosexuality should occur only during the marriage, they will: 1. Not constitute as grounds for declaration of nullity. (Art. 36, FC) 2. Constitute as grounds for legal separation. (Art. 55, FC); and 3. Not constitute as grounds to render the marriage voidable. (Arts. 45 and 46 of the FC)

A: No. The non-disclosure to a wife by her husband of his pre-marital relationship with another woman is not a ground for annulment of marriage. For fraud as a vice of consent in marriage, which may be a cause for its annulment, comes under Art. 46 of the FC. This fraud, as vice of consent, is limited exclusively by law to those kinds or species of fraud enumerated in Art. 86.


a. The drug addiction must amount to psychological incapacity to comply with the essential obligations of marriage; b. It must be antecedent (existing at the time of marriage), grave and incurable: a. The drug addiction must be concealed; b. It must exist at the time of marriage; c. There should be no cohabitation with full knowledge of the drug addiction; d. The case is filed within five (5) years from discovery. a. There should be no condonation or consent to the drug addiction; b. The action must be filed within five (5) years from the occurrence of the cause. c. Drug addiction arises during the marriage and not at the time of marriage.

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Q: When is vitiated consent a ground for annulment of marriage?

Yvette annulled on the ground that Yvette has STD. Yvette opposes the suit contending that Joseph is estopped from seeking annulment of their marriage since he knew even before their marriage that she was afflicted with HIV virus. Can the action of Joseph for annulment of his marriage with Yvette prosper?

A: GR: Consent of either party was obtained by force, intimidation or undue influence XPN: If the same having disappeared or ceased, such party thereafter freely cohabited with the other as husband and wife

A: No. Concealment of a sexually transmitted disease may annul the marriage if there was fraud existing in the party concerned. In this case, there was no fraud because Joseph knew that Yvette was suffering from HIV when he married her. (Art. 46, par 3, FC)

Q: When may impotence be a ground for annulment of marriage? A: CPUII 1. Exists at the time of the Celebration of marriage 2. Permanent (does not have to be absolute) 3. Incurable 4. Unknown to the other spouse 5. Other spouse must not also be Impotent

Q: Differentiate Arts. 45 and 46 of the FC on STD as ground for annulment. A: ARTICLE 45 Affliction

ARTICLE 46 Concealment The act of concealing is the ground for annulment as it constitutes fraud

Q: In case there is no proof as to the potency of one spouse, shall he be considered as impotent?

The fact of being afflicted is the ground for annulment

A: GR: No. Presumption is in favor of potency.

Whether concealed or not

There must be concealment

XPN: Doctrine of triennial cohabitation.

Must be serious and incurable

Does not have to be serious and incurable

Q: What is the doctrine of triennial cohabitation?

PRESENCE OF PROSECUTOR

A: If after 3 years of living together with her husband, the wife remained a virgin, the husband is presumed to be impotent (Rabuya, Persons, p. 310). The husband will have to overcome this presumption.

Q: What is the role of the prosecutor or Solicitor General in all cases of annulment or declaration of absolute nullity of marriage? A: They shall take steps to prevent collusion between the parties and to take care that evidence is not fabricated or suppressed. Concomitantly, even if there is no suppression of evidence, the public prosecutor has to make sure that the evidence to be presented or laid down before the court is not fabricated. Truly, only the active participation of the public prosecutor or the Solicitor General will ensure that the interest of the State is represented and protected in proceedings for declaration of nullity of marriages by preventing the fabrication or suppression of evidence. (Art. 48, FC)

Q: The day after John and Marsha got married, John told her that he was impotent. Marsha continued to live with John for two years. Is Marsha now estopped from filing an annulment case against John? (2007 Bar Question) A: No. Unlike the other grounds for annulment of voidable marriage which are subject to ratification by continued cohabitation, the law does not allow ratification in case of impotency. Q: When may affliction of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) be a ground for annulment?

Note: The non-intervention of the prosecutor is not fatal to the validity of the proceedings in cases where the respondent in a petition for annulment vehemently opposed the same and where he does not allege that evidence was suppressed or fabricated by any of the parties (Tuason v. CA, G.R. No. 116607, April 10, 1996).

A: Requisites: AESIAF a. One of the parties is Afflicted with STD b. STD must be: a. Existing at the time the marriage is celebrated b. Serious c. apparently Incurable c. The other spouse must not be Aware of the other’s affliction d. Injured party must be Free from STD.

Q: What are the actions prohibited in annulment and declaration of absolute nullity of marriage cases? A: CCSSJ 1. Compromise 2. Confession of judgment 3. Stipulation of facts 4. Summary judgment 5. Judgment on the pleadings

Q: Yvette was found to be positive for HIV virus, considered sexually transmissible, serious and incurable. Her boyfriend Joseph was aware of her condition and yet married her. After two (2) years of cohabiting with Yvette, and in his belief that she would probably never be able to bear him a healthy child, Joseph now wants to have his marriage with

Note: What the law prohibits is a judgment based exclusively or mainly on defendant's confession (Ocampo v. Florenciano, 107 Phil.

37


CIVIL LAW 35). Thus, stipulation of facts or confession of judgment if sufficiently supported by other independent substantial evidence to support the main ground relied upon, may warrant an annulment or declaration of absolute nullity.

Q: What must the final judgment of nullity or annulment provide? A: The final judgment shall provide for the ff: 1. Liquidation, partition and distribution of the properties of the spouses; 2. Custody and support of the common children; and 3. Delivery of their presumptive legitimes.

PENDENCY OF ACTION Q: What is the duty of the Court during the pendency of the action for annulment, declaration of absolute nullity of marriage or legal separation?

Unless such matters had already been adjudicated in previous judicial proceedings, in which case, the final judgment of nullity or annulment need not provide for those which have already been adjudicated.

A: The Court shall, in the absence of adequate written agreement between the spouses, provide for the: 1. Support of the spouses 2. Support and custody of the common children. 3. Visitation rights of the other parent. (Art.49, FC)

Note: Where there was a failure to record in the civil registry and registry of property the judgment of annulment or absolute nullity of the marriage, the partition and distribution of the property of the spouses, and the delivery of the children’s presumptive legitimes, it shall not affect third persons. (Arts. 52, FC)

EFFECTS OF NULLITY Q: What rule governs the liquidation of properties in marriages declared void or annulled by final judgment? A: 1.

Q: What are the forms of presumptive legitime? A: 1. 2. 3.

Void marriages: GR: The rules on co-ownership under the Civil Code (Valdes v. RTC, G.R. No. 122749. July 31, 1996).

Cash Property Sound security

XPN: Art. 43(2) of the FC in marriages declared void under Art. 40. (Art. 50)

Q: What must be done by a person whose prior marriage was annulled or declared void if he wishes to remarry?

Voidable marriages under Art. 45: shall be liquidated in accordance with Art. 43(2) of the FC. (Art. 50)

A: He must comply with the requirement provided for in Art. 52, before he contracts a subsequent marriage, viz:

Note: In both instances under Arts. 40 and 45, the marriages are governed either by absolute community of property or conjugal partnership of gains unless the parties agree to a complete separation of property in a marriage settlement entered into before the marriage (Dino v. Dino, G.R. No. 178044, January 19, 2011).

The recording in the civil registries and registries of properties of the following: JPDD 1. Judgment of annulment; 2. Partition; 3. Distribution of properties; and 4. Delivery of presumptive legitimes.

2.

Q: What are the effects of Final Judgment of Annulment?

LEGAL SEPARATION

A: The effects are: 1. Termination of the marital bond, as if it had never been entered into, but the effects thereof are not totally wiped out. 2. Children conceived or born before the judgment of annulment has become final and executor are considered legitimate. 3. Absolute community property regime or the conjugal partnership property regime is terminated of dissolved and the same shall be liquidated in accordance with the provisions of Arts. 102 and 129.

GROUNDS Q: What are the grounds for legal separation? A: PALFAC SILA 1. Repeated Physical violence or grossly abusive conduct against petitioner, common child, child of petitioner; 2. Attempt to corrupt or induce petitioner, common child, child of petitioner to engage in prostitution, or connivance in such corruption or inducement; 3. Attempt by respondent against Life of petitioner; 4. Final judgment sentencing respondent to imprisonment of more than 6 years, even if pardoned; 5. Drug Addiction or habitual alcoholism of respondent;

Q: What will happen to the liquidation of property, after final judgment of annulment, if either spouse contracted the marriage in bad faith? A: If either spouse contracted the marriage in bad faith, his or her share of the next profits of the community property or conjugal partnership property shall be forfeited in favour of the common children or if there be none, the children of the guilty spouse by previous marriage or in default thereof, the innocent spouse. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Note: It must exist after celebration of marriage

6. 7.

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Physical violence or moral pressure to Compel petitioner to change religious or political affiliation; Bigamous marriage Subsequently contracted by respondent in the Philippines or abroad

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS 8. 9.

Sexual Infidelity or perversion; Lesbianism or homosexuality of respondent; Note: It must exist after celebration of marriage

10. Abandonment of petitioner by respondent without justifiable cause for more than 1 year. Q: If a man commits several acts of sexual infidelity, particularly in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, does the prescriptive period to file for legal separation run from 2002? (2007 Bar Question) A: The prescriptive period begins to run upon the commission of each act of infidelity. Every act of sexual infidelity committed by the man is a ground for legal separation. Q: Lucita left the conjugal dwelling and filed a petition for legal separation due to the physical violence, threats, intimidation and grossly abusive conduct she had suffered at the hands of Ron, her husband. Ron denied such and claimed that since it was Lucita who had left the conjugal abode, then the decree of legal separation should not be granted, following Art. 56 (4) of the FC which provides that legal separation shall be denied when both parties have given ground for legal separation. Should legal separation be denied on the basis of Ron’s claim of mutual guilt?

5.

6.

A: No. Art. 56 (4) of the FC does not apply since the abandonment that is a ground for legal separation is abandonment without justifiable cause for more than one year. In this case, Lucita left Ron due to his abusive conduct. Such act does not constitute the abandonment contemplated in the said provision. Since this is so, there is no mutual guilt between them as there is only one erring spouse (Ong Eng Kiam v. CA, GR No. 153206, October 23, 2006).

7.

Q: What acts are considered acts of violence under R.A. 9262? A: 1. Causing, threatening to cause, or attempting to cause physical harm to the woman or her child; 2. Placing the woman or her child in fear of imminent physical harm;

8.

3. Attempting to compel or compelling the woman or her child: a. to engage in conduct which the woman or her child has the right to desist from; or b. desist from conduct which the woman or her child has the right to engage in,

f. Intimidation directed against the woman or child. This shall include, but not limited to, the following acts committed with the purpose or effect of controlling or restricting the woman’s or her child’s movement or conduct: i. Threatening to deprive or actually depriving the woman or her child of custody to her/his family; ii. Depriving or threatening to deprive the woman or her children of financial support legally due her or her family, or deliberately providing the woman’s children insufficient financial support; iii. Depriving or threatening to deprive the woman or her child of a legal right; iv. Preventing the woman in engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation, business or activity or controlling the victim’s own money or properties, or solely controlling the conjugal or common money, or properties; Inflicting or threatening to inflict physical harm on oneself for the purpose of controlling her actions or decisions; Causing or attempting to cause the woman or her child to engage in any sexual activity which does not constitute rape, by: a. Force, or b. threat of force; c. physical harm, or d. through intimidation directed against the woman or her child or her/his immediate family; Engaging in purposeful, knowing, or reckless conduct, personally or through another that alarms or causes substantial emotional or psychological distress to the woman or her child. This shall include, but not be limited to, the following acts: a. Stalking or following the woman or her child in public or private places; b. Peering in the window or lingering outside the residence of the woman or her child; c. Entering or remaining in the dwelling or on the property of the woman or her child against her/his will; d. Destroying the property and personal belongingness or inflicting harm to animals or pets of the woman or her child; and e. Engaging in any form of harassment or violence; Causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation to the woman or her child, including, but not limited to, repeated verbal and emotional abuse, and denial of financial support or custody of minor children of access to the woman’s child/children.

Q: What is a Protection Order under R.A. 9262? A: Protection order is an order issued under this act for the purpose of preventing further acts of violence against a woman or her child and granting other necessary relief. The relief granted under a protection order serves the purpose of safeguarding the victim from further harm, minimizing any disruption in the victim’s daily life, and facilitating the opportunity and ability of the victim to independently regain control over her life. The provisions of the protection order shall be enforced by law enforcement agencies. The

4. Attempting to restrict or restricting the woman’s or her child’s freedom of movement or conduct by: a. Force, or b. Threat of force; c. Physical, or d. Other harm, or e. Threat of physical or other harm;

39


CIVIL LAW Note: This case was decided under the Civil Code not under the Family Code.

protection orders that may be issued under this Act are the barangay protection order (BPO), temporary protection order (TPO) and permanent protection order (PPO).

What is the effect of failure to interpose prescription as a defense?

Q: Who may file for protection order? A: 1. 2. 3.

A: None. While it is true that prescription was not interposed as a defense, nevertheless, the courts can take cognizance thereof, because actions seeking a decree of legal separation, or annulment of marriage, involve public interest and it is the policy of our law that no such decree be issued if any legal obstacles thereto appear upon the record (Brown v. Yambao, G.R. No. L-10699, October 18, 1957).

The offended party; Parents or guardians of the offended party; Ascendants, descendants or collateral relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity; Officers or social workers of the DSWD or social workers of local government units (LGUs); Police officers, preferably those in charge of women and children’s desks; Punong barangay or Barangay Kagawad; Lawyer, counselor, therapist or healthcare provider of the petitioner; At least 2 concerned responsible citizens of the city or municipality where the violence against women and their children occurred and who has personal knowledge of the offense committed.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Q: Rosa and Ariel were married in the Catholic Church of Tarlac, Tarlac on January 5, 1988. In 1990, Ariel went to Saudi Arabia to work. There, after being converted into Islam, Ariel married Mystica, Rosa learned of the second marriage of Ariel on January 1, 1992 when Ariel returned to the Philippines with Mystica. Rosa filed an action for legal separation on February 5, 1994. 1.

DEFENSES

2.

Q: What are the grounds for denial of petition for legal separation? A: C 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8.

A: 1.

4

MP-DR Condonation of the act complained of; Consent to the commission of the offense/act; Connivance in the commission of the act; Collusion in the procurement of decree of LS; Mutual guilt; Prescription: 5 yrs from occurrence of cause; Death of either party during the pendency of the case (Lapuz-Sy v. Eufemio, G.R. No. L-31429, January 31, 1972); Reconciliation of the spouses during the pendency of the case (Art. 56, FC)

Yes, the abandonment of Rosa by Ariel for more than one (1) year is a ground for legal separation unless upon returning to the Philippines, Rosa agrees to cohabit with Ariel which is allowed under the Muslim Code. In this case, there is condonation. The contracting of a subsequent bigamous marriage whether in the Philippines or abroad is a ground for legal separation under Art. 55 (7) of the FC. Whether the second marriage is valid or not, Ariel having converted into Islam, is immaterial.

2.

Q: What is the prescriptive period for filing a petition for legal separation? A: An action for legal separation shall be filed within five years from the time of the occurrence of the cause (Art. 57, FC). An action filed beyond that period is deemed prescribed.

No. Under Art. 57 of the FC, the aggrieved spouse must file the action within 5 years from the occurrence of the cause. The subsequent marriage of Ariel could not have occurred earlier than 1990, the time he went to Saudi Arabia. Hence, Rosa has until 1995 to bring the action under the FC. COOLING-OFF PERIOD

Q: What is the mandatory cooling-off period?

Q: William filed a petition for legal separation in 1955 grounded on Juanita’s adulterous relations allegedly discovered by William in 1945. Was William’s action already barred by prescription?

A: The requirement set forth by law that an action for legal separation shall be in no case tried before 6 months has elapsed since the filing of the petition, to enable the contending spouses to settle differences. In other words, it is for possible reconciliation (Art. 58, FC).

A: Yes. Under Art. 102, NCC, an action for legal separation cannot be filed except within 1 year from and after the plaintiff became cognizant of the cause and within five years from and after the date when such cause occurred.

The 6 months cooling-off period is a mandatory requirement. Petition shall not be granted if it is not observed (Pacete v. Carriaga, G.R. No. L-53880 March 17, 1994).

In this case, William’s action is already barred because of his failure to petition for legal separation proceedings until ten years after he learned of his wife's adultery, which was upon his release from internment in 1945 (Brown v. Yambao, G.R. No. L-10699, October 18, 1957). UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Does Rosa have legal grounds to ask for legal separation? Has the action prescribed? (1994 Bar Question)

40

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Note: There is no cooling-off period if the ground alleged are those under R.A. 9262 (Anti-violence against Women and Children). The court can immediately hear the case.

depend upon the parties themselves. It is consonant with this policy that the inquiry by the Fiscal should be allowed to focus upon any relevant matter that may indicate whether the proceedings for separation or annulment are fully justified or not. (Brown v. Yambao, G.R. No. L-10699, October 18, 1957)

RECONCILIATION EFFORTS Q: What is required of the Court before legal separation may be decreed?

Q: Who may file, when and where should the petition for legal separation be filed?

A: The Court shall take steps toward the reconciliation of the spouses and must be fully satisfied, despite such efforts, that reconciliation is highly improbable. (Art. 59, FC)

A: Who may file When to file

CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT Q: What is the rule in rendering a judgment of legal separation based upon a stipulation of facts or confession of judgment?

Where to file

A: A decree of legal separation cannot be issued solely on the basis of a stipulation of facts or a confession of judgment. The grounds for legal separation must be proved. Neither confession of judgment nor summary judgment is allowed (Art. 60, FC).

Husband or wife Within 5 years from the time of the occurrence of the cause Family Court of the province or city where the petitioner or the respondent has been residing for at least 6 months prior to the date of filing or in case of a non-resident, where he may be found in the Philippines, at the election of the petitioner EFFECTS OF FILING PETITION

Q: What are the effects of filing of a petition for legal separation?

Note: What the law prohibits is a judgment based exclusively or mainly on defendant's confession. (Ocampo v. Florenciano, G.R. No. L-13553, February 23, 1960)

A: 1.

Q: After learning of Juanita’s misconduct, William filed a petition for legal separation. During his cross-examination by the Assistant Fiscal, it was discovered that William lived with a woman named Lilia and had children with her after the liberation. The court denied the petition on the ground both of them had incurred in a misconduct of similar nature that barred the right of action under Art. 100, NCC.

2.

The spouses shall be entitled to live separately from each other. In the absence of a written agreement between the parties, the court shall designate either the husband or rd the wife or a 3 person to administer the absolute community or conjugal partnership property. EFFECTS OF PENDENCY

William argues that in cross-examining him with regard to his marital relation with Lilia, who was not his wife, the Assistant Fiscal acted as counsel for Juanita when the power of the prosecuting officer is limited to finding out whether or not there is collusion, and if there is no collusion, to intervene for the state. Is his argument correct?

Q: What is the effect of the death of plaintiff- spouse before a decree of legal separation? A: The death of plaintiff before a decree of legal separation abates such action. Being personal in character, it follows that the death of one party to the action causes the death of the action itself - actio personalis moritur cum persona. Even if property rights are involved, because these rights are mere effects of the decree of legal separation, being rights in expectation, these rights do not come into existence as a result of the death of a party. Also under the Rules of Court, an action for legal separation or annulment of marriage is not one which survives the death of spouse. (Lapuz v. Eufemio, G.R. No. L-31429, January 31, 1972)

A: The argument is untenable. It was legitimate for the Fiscal to bring to light any circumstances that could give rise to the inference that Juanita's default was calculated, or agreed upon, to enable him to obtain the decree of legal separation that he sought without regard to the legal merits of his case. One such circumstance is the fact of William's cohabitation with Lilia, since it bars him from claiming legal separation by express provision of Art. 100 of the NCC. Such evidence of misconduct is a proper subject of inquiry as they may justifiably be considered circumstantial evidence of collusion between the spouses.

Q: May the heirs of the deceased spouse continue the suit (petition for decree of legal separation) if the death of the spouse takes place during the pendency of the suit? A: No. An action for legal separation is purely personal, therefore, the death of one party to the action causes the death of the action itself – action personalis moritur cum persona.

Art. 101 of the NCC, calling for the intervention of the state attorneys in case of uncontested proceedings for legal separation (and of annulment of marriages, under Art. 88) emphasizes that marriage is more than a mere contract; that it is a social institution in which the state is vitally interested, so that its continuation or interruption cannot be made

Note: Incases where one of the spouses is dead, or where the deceased’s heirs continue the suit, separation of property and any

41


CIVIL LAW forfeiture of share already effected subsists, unless spouses agree to revive former property regime.

Q: What are the effects of decree of legal separation?

Q: Which of the following remedies, a. declaration of nullity of marriage, b. annulment of marriage, c. legal separation, and/or d. separation of property, can an aggrieved spouse avail himself/herself of:

A: 1.

a. If the wife discovers after the marriage that her husband has “AIDS”?

EFFECTS OF LEGAL SEPARATION

Spouses entitled to live separately; Note: Marriage bond not severed

2.

A: Since AIDS is a serious and incurable sexually transmissible disease, the wife may file an action for annulment of the marriage on this ground whether such fact was concealed or not from the wife, provided that the disease was present at the time of the marriage. The marriage is voidable even though the husband was not aware that he had the disease at the time of marriage.

ACP/CPG shall be dissolved and liquidated; Note: But offending spouse shall have no right to any share of the net profits earned by the AC/CP which shall be forfeited in according w/ Art. 43(2).

3. 4. 5. 6.

Custody of minor children is awarded to the innocent spouse (subject to Art. 213, FC); Offending spouse is disqualified to inherit from innocent spouse by intestate succession; Provisions in the will of innocent spouse which favors offending spouse shall be revoked by operation of law; Innocent spouse may revoke donations he/she made in favor of offending spouse;

b. If the wife goes to abroad to work as a nurse and refuses to come home after the expiration of her three-year contract there? A: If the wife refuses to come home for three (3) months from the expiration of her contract, she is presumed to have abandoned the husband and he may file an action for judicial separation of property. If the refusal continues for more than one year from the expiration of her contract, the husband may file the action for legal separation under Art. 55(10) of the FC on the ground of abandonment of petitioner by respondent without justifiable cause for more than one year. The wife is deemed to have abandoned the husband when she leaves the conjugal dwelling without any intention of returning (Art. 101, FC). The intention not to return cannot be presumed during the 30 year period of her contract.

Note: Prescriptive period: 5 years from finality of decree of legal separation

7.

Innocent spouse may revoke designation of offending spouse as beneficiary in any insurance policy, even when stipulated as irrevocable.

Note: An action for legal separation which involves nothing more than bed-and-board separation of the spouses is purely personal. The Civil Code recognizes this by: 1. By allowing only the innocent spouse and no one else to claim legal separation; 2. By providing that the spouses can, by their reconciliation, stop or abate the proceedings and even rescind a decree of legal separation already granted (Lapuz v. Eufemio, G.R. No. L-31429, January 31, 1972).

c. If the husband discovers after the marriage that his wife has been a prostitute before they got married? A: If the husband discovers after the marriage that his wife was a prostitute before they got married, he has no remedy. No misrepresentation or deceit as to character, health, rank, fortune or chastity shall constitute fraud as legal ground for an action for the annulment of marriage (Art. 46, FC).

Q: May the wife who has been granted legal separation petition be allowed to revert to her maiden name?

d. If the husband has a serious affair with his secretary and refuses to stop notwithstanding advice from relatives and friends?

A: No. The marriage bond not having severed, the woman remains to be the lawful wife of the man.

A: The wife may file an action for legal separation. The husband’s sexual infidelity is a ground for legal separation (Art. 55, FC). She may also file an action for judicial separation of property for failure of her husband to comply with his marital duty of fidelity (Art. 135(4), 101, FC).

Note: Even under the NCC, the use of the husband's surname during the marriage (Art. 370, NCC), after annulment of the marriage (Art. 371, NCC) and after the death of the husband (Art. 373, NCC) is permissive and not obligatory except in case of legal separation (Art. 372, NCC). Under the present article of our Code, however, the word "may" is used, indicating that the use of the husband's surname by the wife is permissive rather than obligatory. We have no law which provides that the wife shall change her name to that of the husband upon marriage. This is in consonance with the principle that surnames indicate descent. It seems, therefore, that a married woman may use only her maiden name and surname. She has an option, but not a duty, to use the surname of the husband in any of the ways provided by this Article (Yasin v. Hon. Judge Sharia’h District court, G.R. No. 94986, February 23, 1995).


e. If the husband beats up his wife every time he comes home drunk? (2003 Bar Question) A: The wife may file an action for legal separation on the ground of repeated physical violence on her person (Art. 55(1), FC). She may also file an action for judicial separation of property for failure of the husband to comply with his marital duty of mutual respect (Art. 135(4), Art. 101, FC). She may also file an action for declaration of nullity of the

42

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS This is an exception to the Rules of Court provision that defenses not raised in the pleadings will not be considered since provisions on marriage are substantive in nature.(Brown v. Yambao, G.R. No. L10699, October 18, 1957)

marriage if the husband’s behavior constitutes psychological incapacity existing at the time of the celebration of marriage. Q: What will happen to the donations made by the spouses to each other?

Q: Does reconciliation automatically revive the former property regime of the spouses?

A: The revocation of the donations shall be recorded in the registries of property in the places where the properties are located. Alienations, liens and encumbrances registered in good faith before the recording of the complaint for revocation in the registries of property shall be respected. The revocation of or change in the designation of the insurance beneficiary shall take effect upon written notification thereof to the insured.

A: No. If the spouses want to revive the previous property regime, they must execute an agreement to revive the former property regime, which agreement shall be submitted in court, together with a verified motion for its approval. (Art. 67, FC) The agreement to revive must be under oath and specify: 1. The properties to be contributed anew to the restored regime; 2. Those to be retained as separated properties of each spouse; and 3. The names of all their known creditors, their addresses and the amounts owing to each.

The action to revoke the donation must be brought within five years from the time the decree of legal separation has become final. RECONCILIATION Q: What are the effects of reconciliation? A: 1.

2.

Q: What if there is reconciliation between the spouses while the petition is being heard by the court?

As to the Decree: a. During the pendency of the case: LS proceedings terminated at whatever stage b. After the issuance of the decree: Final decree of LS to be set aside

A: 1. If the spouses should reconcile, a corresponding joint manifestation under oath duly signed by them shall be filed with the court in the same proceeding for legal separation. 2. The legal separation proceedings, if still pending, shall thereby be terminated at whatever stage; and 3. The final decree of legal separation shall be set aside, but the separation of property and any forfeiture of the share of the guilty spouse already effected shall subsist, unless the spouses agree to revive their former property regime. The court's order containing the foregoing shall be recorded in the proper civil registries

As to the Property Regime: GR: With respect to separation of properties, the same shall subsist. XPN: The parties, however, can come into an agreement to revive their previous regime. Their agreement must be under oath and must contain a list of the properties desired to be returned to the community or conjugal property and those which will remain separate, a list of creditors and their addresses.

3.

As to capacity to succeed: The Family Code does not provide for the revival of revoked provisions in a will originally made in favor of the offending party as a result of the LS. This absence gives the innocent spouse the right to choose whether the offending spouse will be reinstituted.

4.

As to the forfeited shares: Those given to the children cannot be returned since the spouses are no longer the owners of such. But those given to the innocent spouse may be returned.

Note: In an action for legal separation on the ground of adultery filed by the husband, even though the defendant wife did not interpose the defense of prescription, nevertheless, the courts can take cognizance thereof, because actions seeking a decree of legal separation or annulment of marriage, involve public interest, and it is the policy of our law that no such decree be issued if any legal obstacles thereto appear upon the record. Also, the husband was guilty of commission of the same offense by living with another woman.

43


CIVIL LAW Q: How do Declaration of Nullity of Marriage, Annulment of Marriage and Legal Separation differ from each other? A: DECLARATION OF NULLITY OF MARRIAGE

ANNULMENT

LEGAL SEPARATION

Dissolved

No effect, marriage bond remains valid

Marriage bond Dissolved Status of children GR: Illegitimate XPN: Children conceived or born of marriages before declaration of nullity under Arts. 36 and 53 considered legitimate

Legitimate

Property relations ACP/CPG shall be dissolved & liquidated. [Art. 43 (2)] GR: Governed either by Article 147 or Article 148 of the Family Code. Thus, property regime shall be liquidated pursuant to the ordinary rules on co-ownership.

Share of spouse, who contracted the subsequent marriage in bad faith, in the net profits of the community property or conjugal partnership, shall be forfeited in favor of the common children, or

XPN: Marriages declared void under Art. 40 which shall be liquidated in accordance with Art. 43 (2). (Valdes v. RTC, G.R. No. 122749. July 31, 1996).

If there are none, the children of the guilty spouse by a previous marriage, or in default of children, the innocent spouse

Donations propter nuptias GR: Shall remain valid. [Art. 43 (3)] XPN: 1. if donee contracted the marriage in bad faith, such donations made to said donee shall be revoked by operation of law. 2. if both spouses to the marriage acted in bad faith, all donations propter nuptias shall be revoked by operation of law. Insurance If one spouse acted in bad faith, innocent spouse may revoke his designation as beneficiary in the insurance policy even if such designation be stipulated as irrevocable. [Art. 43 (4)] Succession If one spouse contracted the marriage in bad faith, he shall be disqualified to inherit from innocent spouse by testate and intestate succession. [Art. 43 (5)] RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE ESSENTIAL OBLIGATIONS

2.

Note: In case of disagreement the Court shall decide.

Q: What are the rights and obligations of the spouses? A: 1.

3. Essential marital obligations (EMO): LOR a. Live together Note: Includes consortium and copulation


b. Observe mutual love, respect, fidelity c. Render mutual help and support Fix the family domicile (Art. 69, FC)

44

Jointly support the family (Art. 70, FC) a. Expenses shall be paid from the community property b. In the absence thereof from the income or fruits of their separate properties

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS c. 4. 5. 6.

In the absence or insufficiency thereof from their separate properties Manage the household (Art. 71, FC) Not to neglect duties, or commit acts which tend to bring danger, dishonor, or injury to family (Art. 72, FC) Either spouse may practice any legitimate profession/business, even without the consent of the other.

a.

3.

Note: The other spouse may object on valid, serious and moral grounds. In case of disagreement, the court shall decide whether: a. Objection is proper; and b. Benefit has accrued to the family prior to the objection or thereafter. If the benefit accrued prior to the objection, the resulting obligation shall be enforced against the community property. If the benefit accrued thereafter, such obligation shall be enforced against the separate property of the spouse who has not obtained consent. (Art. 73, FC as amended by R.A. 10572)

Q: What governs the property relations of spouses? A: The property relations shall be governed by the ff. in the stated order: 1. Marriage settlement 2. Provisions of the FC 3. Local custom Q: Marriage being a contract, may the parties enter into stipulations which will govern their marriage?

The foregoing provisions shall not prejudice the rights of creditors who acted in good faith

A: Yes, only as to their property relations during the marriage subject only to the condition that whatever settlement they may have must be within the limits provided by the Family Code. However, the nature, consequences, and effects of marriage cannot be subject to stipulation. (Rabuya, 2006, p. 398)

Q: What are the other obligations of spouses? A: 1. 2. 3.

affecting property not situated in the Philippines; and b. executed in the country where the property is located; With respect to extrinsic validity of contracts: a. entered into in the Philippines; but b. affecting property situated in a foreign country whose laws require different formalities for its extrinsic validity

Exercise the duties and enjoy the rights of parents; Answer for civil liability arising from injuries caused by children below 18; Exercise parental authority over children’s property (Republic v. CA, Molina, G.R. No. 108763, February 13, 1997).

Note: Future spouses may agree upon the regime of absolute community of property, conjugal partnership of gains, absolute separation of property or any other regime.

Q: Are rights over share in the community or conjugal property waivable during the marriage?

Q: May the performance of essential marital obligations be compelled by court?

A: GR: No.

A: GR: Performance of EMO under Art. 68 cannot be compelled by court because it will be a violation of personal liberty.

XPN: In case of judicial separation of property. Note: The waiver must be in a public instrument and recorded in the office of the local civil registrar where the marriage contract was recorded as well as in the proper registry of property.

XPN: Giving support (Arroyo v. Arroyo, G.R. No. L-17014, August 11, 1921)

MARRIAGE SETTLEMENTS

Q: When may the Court exempt one spouse from living with the other?

Q: What is a marriage settlement (MS)? A: 1. 2.

A: It is a contract entered into by spouses about to be married for the purpose of fixing the terms and conditions of their property relations with regard to their present and future property.

If one spouse should live abroad. Other valid and compelling reasons.

Note: The Court shall not grant the exemption if it is not compatible with the solidarity of the family.

It is also referred to as Ante Nuptial Agreement or Matrimonial Contract. (Pineda, 2008 ed.)

Q: What law shall govern the property relations of spouses?

Q: What are the requisites of a valid MS? A: GR: Philippine laws shall govern, regardless of place of celebration and residence of spouses, in the absence of contrary stipulation in a marriage settlement. (Art. 80, FC)

A: I-SER 1. 2. 3. 4.

XPN: Lex rei sitae applies: 1. Where both spouses are aliens; 2. With respect to the extrinsic validity of contracts:

45

In writing; Signed by the parties; Executed before the celebration of marriage; rd Registration (to bind 3 persons)


CIVIL LAW Note: The provisions in the marriage settlement must be in accordance with law, morals or public policy, otherwise such agreement is void (Paras, book I, p. 516).

1. 2. 3.

There must be marriage settlement (MS) stipulating a property regime other than ACP; Donation in the MS be not more that 1/5 of the present property; There must be acceptance by the other spouse.

Q: What are the additional requirements for the validity of the MS?

Q: What is the effect of donations of property which is subject to encumbrances?

A:

A: Such donations are valid. In case of foreclosure of the encumbrance and the property is sold for more less than the total amount of the obligation secured, the donee shall not be liable for the deficiency. If the property is sold for more than the total amount of the obligation, the done shall be entitled to the excess. (Art. 85, FC)

FACTUAL SITUATION If one of both of the parties are: 18-21 years old

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT The ff. must be made a party to the MS, otherwise the MS is void: Parents; or those required to give consent

Sentenced with civil interdiction

Guardian appointed by the court

Disabled

Guardian appointed by the court

VOID DONATIONS BY THE SPOUSES Q: What is the rule regarding donations made between spouses? A: 1.

Q: May a marriage settlement be modified?

GR: Future spouses cannot donate to each other more than 1/5 of their present property (Excess shall be considered void)

A: Yes. For any modification in the MS to be valid: 1. The requisites for a valid MS must be present; 2. There must be judicial approval; 3. Subject to the provisions of Arts. 66, 67, 128, 135, and 136.

XPN: If they are governed by ACP, then each spouse can donate to each other in their marriage settlements present property without limit, provided there is sufficient property left for their support and the legitimes are not impaired.

Q: What is the effect on the ante-nuptial agreement in case the marriage is not celebrated? 2.

A: GR: Everything stipulated in the settlements or contracts in consideration of the marriage shall be rendered void.

XPN: Moderate gifts on the occasion of any family rejoicing.

DONATIONS BY REASON OF MARRIAGE

Note: The aforementioned rules also apply to common law spouses.

Q: When are donations considered as donations by reason of marriage?

Q: Why are donations between spouses during marriage considered void?

A: Those donations which are made before the celebration of the marriage, in consideration of the same, and in favor of one or both of the future spouses.

A: 1. 2.

Q: What are the requisites for donations propter nuptias (DPN)?

3.

Made before celebration of marriage; Made in consideration of the marriage; Made in favor of one or both of the future spouses.

To protect unsecured creditors from being defrauded; To prevent the stronger spouse from imposing upon the weaker spouse transfer of the latter’s property to the former; To prevent indirect modification of the marriage settlement.

Q: What if the parties agree upon a regime other than absolute community of property?

Q: What are the requisites if donation be made by one spouse in favor of the other?

A: They cannot donate to each other in their marriage settlements more than 1/5 of their present property. Any excess is considered void.

A:


During the marriage: GR: Every donation or grant of gratuitous advantage, direct or indirect, between spouses is considered void.

XPN: Those not dependent upon or is not made in consideration of the marriage subsists.

A: 1. 2. 3.

Before the marriage:

46

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Note: Donations of future property are governed by provisions on testamentary succession and formalities of wills.

5. 6.

If with a resolutory condition which was complied with Donee has committed an act of ingratitude

Q: What are the donations that may be revoked by the donor? A: A donation by reason of marriage may be revoked by the donor in the following cases: 1. Marriage is not celebrated or judicially declared void ab initio XPN: donations made in the marriage settlements 2. 3. 4.

Marriage takes place without the required consent of parents or guardians Marriage is annulled and done acted in bad faith Upon legal separation, the donee being the guilty spouse

Q: What are the grounds for filing an action for revocation of a DPN and what are their respective prescriptive periods? A: GROUNDS (Art. 86)

Period

1. Marriage is not celebrated XPN: Those automatically rendered void by law Ground for nullity: a. Contracted subsequent marriage 2. Marriage is judicially before prior marriage has been declared void judicially declared void b. any other grounds

5 yrs

PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD Reckoning Point Time the marriage was not solemnized on the fixed date. (art. 1149)

Revoked by operation of law

5 yrs

3. Marriage took place without consent of parents or guardian, when required by law

5 yrs

4. Marriage is annulled and donee acted in bad faith 5. Upon legal separation (LS), donee being the guilty spouse 6. Donation subject to resolutory condition which was complied with

5 yrs 5 yrs 5 yrs

7. Donee committed an act of ingratitude

1 yr

Finality of judicial declaration of nullity (if action is to recover property) Time the donor came to know that the required parental consent was not obtained. Finality of decree Time decree of LS has become final Happening of the resolutory condition. From donor’s knowledge of the commission of an act of ingratitude.

Note: Acts of ingratitude: 1. Commission of an offense against the person, honor or property of the donor, his wife or his children under his parental authority 2. GR: Imputation to the donor any criminal offense or any act involving moral turpitude XPN: if the crime was committed against the donee himself, his wife or his children under his authority 3. Undue refusal to support the donor when he is legally or morally bound to give such support.

PROPERTY RELATIONS OF THE SPOUSES Q: What are the different property regimes which may be adopted by future spouses? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Absolute Community of Property (ACP) Conjugal Partnership of Gains (CPG) Absolute Separation of Property (ASOP) Any other regime within limits provided by the FC

47


CIVIL LAW

Q: Distinguish ACP, CPG and ASOP. A: ACP

ASOP

CPG When it applies 1.

When spouses: 1. Adopt it in a marriage settlement; 2. Do not choose any economic system; or 3. Adopted a different property regime and the same is void.

2. 3. When the future spouses adopt it in a marriage settlement.

4.

Consist of All the properties owned by the spouses at the time of marriage become community property

Each spouse retains his/her property before the marriage and only the fruits and income of such properties become part of the conjugal properties during the marriage Effect of separation in fact

The separation in fact shall not affect the regime of ACP, but: 1. The spouse who leaves the conjugal home or refuses to live therein, without just cause, shall not have the right to be supported; 2. When consent of one spouse to any transaction of the other is required by law, judicial authorization shall be obtained in a summary proceeding. 3. In case of insufficiency of community or conjugal partnership property, separate property of both spouses shall be solidarily liable for the support of the family. Spouse present shall, upon proper petition in a summary proceeding, be given judicial authority to administer or encumber any specific separate property of the other spouse and use the fruits or proceeds thereof to satisfy the latter’s share. (Arts. 100 & 127, FC) Effect of dissolution Upon dissolution and liquidation of the community property, what is divided equally between the spouses or their heirs is the net remainder of the properties of the ACP.

Upon dissolution of the partnership, the separate property of the spouses are returned and only the net profits of the partnership are divided equally between the spouses of their heirs.


48

When future spouses adopt it in a marriage settlement ACP or CPG is dissolved Prior marriage is dissolved due to death of one spouse and surviving spouse failed to comply with the requirements under Art. 103 (judicial settlement proceeding of the estate of deceased spouse) By judicial order. Judicial separation of property may either be voluntary or for sufficient cause.

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Q: When do the property regimes commence?

ABSOLUTE COMMUNITYY GENERAL PROVISIONS

A: Property regimes commence at the precise moment of the celebration of the marriage.

Q: When shall the absolute community of property commence?

Q: In the absence of a marriage settlement, what property regime governs the property relations of spouses?

A: At the precise moment of the celebration of the marriage. i.e. actual time the marriage is celebrated on a certain date.

A: GR: Absolute community of property (Art. 75, FC) XPNs: 1. For marriages contracted prior to the effectivity of the Family Code on August 3, 1988, conjugal partnership of gains shall govern the property relations. This is so because Art. 119 of the NCC will apply. The provisions of the FC shall have no retroactive effect because it shall impair vested rights. 2.

Note: Any stipulation, express or implied, for the commencement of the community regime at any other time shall be void.

Q: What law governs the absolute community of property? A: 1. 2.

Subsequent marriage contracted within one year from the death of the deceased spouse without liquidation of the community property or conjugal partnership of gains, either judicially or extrajudicially, as required under Arts. 103 and 130 of the FC. In such case, a mandatory regime of complete separation of property shall govern the subsequent marriage. (Rabuya, Civil Law Reviewer, p. 100).

Family code Provisions on co-ownership

Q: What constitutes the community property? A: Includes: 1. All the property owned by the spouses: a. at the time of the celebration of the marriage; or b. acquired thereafter; 2. Property acquired during the marriage by gratuitous title, if expressly made to form part of the community property by the donor, testator or grantor; 3. Jewelries, etc.; 4. Winnings in gambling.

Q: What are the grounds for the revival of a former property regime? A: 1-CAR-APS 1. Civil interdiction of the prisoner-spouse terminates; 2. Absentee spouse reappears 3. Court authorizes Resumption of administration by the spouse formerly exercising such power; 4. Spouse who has Abandoned the conjugal home returns and resumes common life with the other; 5. Parental authority is judicially restored to the spouse previously deprived thereof; 6. Reconciliation and resumption of common life of spouse who had been separated in fact for at least 1 year; 7. Spouses agree to revive their former property regime.

Excludes: 1. Property acquired during the marriage by gratuitous title and its fruits as well as income thereof; XPN: If expressly provided by the donor, testator or grantor that they shall form part of the community property 2.

Property for personal and exclusive use of either spouse; XPN: Jewelries shall form part of the ACP because of their monetary value.

Q: What are the grounds for transfer of administration of the exclusive property of each spouse?

3.

A: When one spouse: CFAG 1. is sentenced to penalty with Civil interdiction; 2. becomes a Fugitive from justice or is hiding as an accused in a criminal case; 3. is judicially declared Absent; 4. becomes a Guardian of the other.

4.

Property acquired before the marriage by one with legitimate descendants by former marriage and its fruits and income, if any; Those excluded by the marriage settlement.

Q: In absence of evidence, does property acquired during the marriage belong to the community property? A: Property acquired during the marriage is presumed to belong to the community, unless proven otherwise by strong and convincing evidence. (Art. 93, FC)

Note: Transfer of administration of the exclusive property of either spouses does not confer ownership over the same (Rodriguez v. De la Cruz, GR No. 3629, September 28, 1907).

Q: Mister, without Misis’ consent, executed a special power of attorney in favor of Drepa in order to secure a loan to be secured by a conjugal property, which loan was

49


CIVIL LAW later obtained. When the loan was not paid, the mortgage was foreclosed and sold on auction. Misis seeks the declaration of the mortgage and sale as void invoking Art. 124 of the FC. Will the wife’s action prosper?

125283, February 10, 2006).

A: Yes. The settled rule is that the sale or encumbrance of a conjugal property requires the consent of both the husband and the wife (Guiang v. CA, 353 Phil. 578). The absence of the consent of one renders the entire sale or encumbrance null and void, including the portion of the conjugal property pertaining to the husband who contracted the sale. Neither would the conjugal partnership be liable for the loan on the ground that it redounded to the benefit of the family. The sweeping conclusion that the loan was obtained by the husband in order to finance the construction of housing units, without however adducing adequate proof, does not persuade (Homeowners Savings & Loan Bank v. Dailo, G.R. No. 153802, March 11, 2005).

A: No (Art. 95). However, any winnings therefrom shall form part of the community property.

Q: Will losses in gambling be charged upon the community property?

CHARGES UPON AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY PROPERTY Q: What are the charges upon the ACP? A: 1.

2. Q: In a sale of a piece of land that she and her husband, David, owned, Lorenza, who witnessed the sale, signed on the page reserved for witnesses to the deed. When the buyer sought to register the sale, it was denied by the Register of Deeds for lack of the wife's consent to the sale. Decide.

3.

A: The register of deeds is incorrect. A wife, by affixing her signature to a deed of sale on the space provided for witnesses, is deemed to have given her implied consent to the contract of sale. The consent need not always be explicit or set forth in any particular document so long as it is shown by acts of the wife that such consent or approval was in fact given (Pelayo v. Perez, G.R. No. 141323, June 8, 2005).

4. 5.

6.

7.

Note: In this case, it will be noted that the sale was entered into prior to the effectivity of the FC. Because of such, Art. 173, in relation to Art. 166 of the NCC would have applied if there was a finding of lack of the wife's consent. Under said provisions, the sale would have been merely voidable, and not void.

8.

Q: Andres sold a parcel of land belonging to the conjugal partnership to Pepito. Days before the sale, Kumander, his wife, assented to such by signing a document entitled "Marital Consent" contained in a jurat, which was then sworn to before the same notary public who notarized the deed of sale, and then appended to the deed of sale itself. Is the conveyance valid?

9.

A: It depends. The use of the jurat, instead of an acknowledgment, does not elevate the marital consent into the level of a public document but instead consigns it to the status of a private writing. Hence, the presumption of regularity does not apply and the wife still needs to prove its genuineness and authenticity as required under the rules of evidence (Pan Pacific Industrial Sales Co., Inc. v. CA, G.R. No. 125283, February 10, 2006)

Note: The payment of which shall be considered as advances to be deducted from the share of the debtor-spouse upon liquidation of the community

10. Expenses of litigation between the spouses. XPN: If suit is found to be groundless, it cannot be charged against the ACP.

Note: The fact that the document contains a jurat, and not an acknowledgment, should not affect its genuineness or that of the related document of conveyance itself, the Deed of Absolute Sale. In this instance, a jurat suffices as the document only embodies the manifestation of the spouse's consent, a mere appendage to the main document (Pan Pacific Industrial Sales Co., Inc. v. CA, G.R. No.


The support of a. the spouses b. their common children c. legitimate children of either spouse; All debts and obligations contracted during the marriage by: a. the designated administrator-spouse for the benefit of the community b. by both spouses c. by one spouse with the consent of the other; Debts and obligations contracted by either spouse without the consent of the other to the extent that the family may have been benefited; All taxes, liens, charges and expenses, including major or minor repairs, upon the community property; All taxes and expenses for mere preservation made during marriage upon the separate property of either spouse used by the family; Expenses to enable either spouse to commence or complete a professional or vocational course, or other activity for self-improvement; Ante-nuptial debts of either spouse insofar as they have redounded to the benefit of the family; The value of what is donated or promised by both spouses in favor of their common legitimate children for the exclusive purpose of commencing or completing a professional or vocational course or other activity for self-improvement; Payment, in case of absence or insufficiency of the exclusive property of the debtor-spouse, of: a. Ante-nuptial debts of either spouse which did not redound to the benefit of the family; b. the support of illegitimate children of either spouse; c. liabilities incurred by either spouse by reason of a crime or quasi-delict;

Q: An individual, while single, purchases a house and lot in 1990 and borrows money in 1992 to repair it. In 1995, such individual is married while the debt is still being paid.

50

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS After the marriage, is the debt still the responsibility of such individual? (2007 Bar Question)

person which may be perfected as a binding contract upon acceptance by the spouse or court approval.

A: No. Ante-nuptial debts of either spouse shall be considered as the liability of the absolute community of property insofar as they have redounded to the benefit of the family.

Q: When may one spouse resort to obtaining court approval for any alienation, encumbrance or disposition of community property? A: In absence of the written consent of the other spouse.

OWNERSHIP, ADMINISTRATION, ENJOYMENT AND DISPOSITION OF THE COMMUNITY PROPERTY

Q: What if the community property is insufficient to cover the foregoing liabilities?

Q: To whom does the right of administration of the community property belong to?

A: GR: The spouses shall be solidarily liable for the unpaid balance with their separate properties.

A: GR: It belongs to both spouses jointly. XPN: Those falling under paragraph 9 of Art. 94. (Ante-nuptial debts, support of illegitimate children, liabilities incurred by spouse by reason of a crime or quasi-delict) –in which case the exclusive property of the spouse who incurred such debts will be liable. However, if the exclusive property is insufficient, payment will be considered as advances to be deducted from share of debtor-spouse. (Art. 94 (9), FC)

XPN: If one spouse is incapacitated or otherwise unable to participate in the administration of the common properties – capacitated or able spouse may assume sole powers of administration But such powers do not include: DAE 1. Disposition; 2. Alienation; or 3. Encumbrance of the conjugal or community property.

Q: What is the rule on donating a community property by a spouse?

Q: In case of disagreement, whose decision shall prevail? A: GR: A spouse cannot donate any community property without the consent of the other.

A: That of the husband but subject to recourse to the court by the wife for proper remedy.

XPN: Moderate donations for charity or on occasion of family rejoicing or distress. (Art. 98, FC)

Note: Prescriptive period for recourse is within 5 years from the date of the contract implementing such decision.

Q: Will the separation in fact between husband and wife affect the regime of absolute community?

Q: In cases of alienation, disposition or encumbrance of the community property, and one spouse is incapacitated or unable to participate in the administration of the community property, is the approval of one spouse enough for said alienation, disposition or encumbrance to be valid?

A: GR: No. XPNs: 1. Spouse who leaves the conjugal home or refuses to live therein without just cause has no right to be supported 2. When consent of one spouse to any transaction of the other is required by law, judicial authorization must be obtained 3. If community property is insufficient, the separate property of both spouses shall be solidarily liable for the support of the family

A: No. Both spouses must approve any dispositions or encumbrances, and consent of the other spouse regarding the disposition must be in writing, otherwise, the matter should be brought to court and the court will give the authority, if proper. Such consent or court approval must be obtained before the alienation, etc., otherwise, such will be void and obtaining such consent or court approval afterwards will not validate the act. A void act cannot be ratified.

Q: If a spouse abandons without just cause his family or fails to comply with obligations to the family, what are the remedies of the spouse present?

Q: What if one spouse acts without the consent of the other or without court approval?

A: Petition the court for: 1. Receivership; 2. Judicial separation of property; 3. Authority to be the sole administrator of the absolute community.

A: If one spouse acts without the consent of the other or without court approval, such disposition or encumbrance is void. However, the transaction shall be construed as a continuing rd offer on the part of the consenting spouse and the 3

51


CIVIL LAW Q: When is there abandonment?

6.

A: When a spouse leaves the conjugal dwelling without intention of returning.

Q: What is the applicable procedure in the dissolution of the ACP in case the marriage is terminated by death?

Note: Three months disappearance without any information as to the spouse’s whereabouts shall be prima facie presumption of abandonment of the other spouse. (Art. 101, FC)

A: Community property shall be liquidated in the same proceeding for the settlement of the estate of the deceased.

Q: May spouses sell property to each other?

If no judicial proceeding is instituted, the surviving spouse shall, judicially or extra-judicially, liquidate the community property within 1 year from the death of the deceased spouse. (Art. 103, FC)

A: GR: No, such sale is considered void XPNs: 1. When a separation of property was agreed upon in the marriage settlement; 2. When there has been a judicial separation of property under Articles 135 and 136 of FC (Art. 1490, NCC).

Q: What if the surviving spouse failed to liquidate the community property within 1 year from the death of the deceased spouse contrary to Art. 103, FC? A: Failure to do so would render any disposition or encumbrance involving community property of the terminated marriage void.

Note: The proscription against the sale of property between spouses under Art. 1490 applies even to common law relationships. In an earlier ruling, the SC nullified a sale made by a husband in favor of a concubine, after he had abandoned his family and left the conjugal home where his wife and children lived, and from whence they derived their support, for being contrary to morals and public policy. The sale was regarded by the court as subversive of the stability of the family, a basic social institution which public policy cherishes and protects (Ching v. CA, GR No. 165879, November 10, 2006).

CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP OF GAINS GENERAL PROVISIONS Q: What is the regime of CPG? A: It is the property relation formed by the husband and the wife by placing in a common fund: 1. the proceeds, product, fruits and income of their separate properties; 2. those acquired by either or both of them through: a. effort b. chance

DISSOLUTION OF COMMUNITY REGIME Q: How is the ACP terminated? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Death of either spouse; Legal separation; Annulment; Judicial separation of property during marriage (Art. 99, FC)

Q: When shall the conjugal partnership commence? A: At the precise moment when the marriage ceremony is celebrated.

LIQUIDATION OF THE ABSOLUTE COMMUNITY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Q: What law governs the conjugal partnership? A: The rules on the contract of partnership in all that is not in conflict with what is expressly determined in the FC and by the spouses in their marriage settlements (Art. 108, FC).

Q: What is the applicable procedure in case of dissolution of ACP? A: 1. 2.

EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF EACH SPOUSE

Inventory of all properties of the ACP, excluding separate property of each spouse; Payment of community debts;

Q: What are the exclusive properties of the spouses? A: 1.

Note: First, pay out of the community assets. If not enough, husband and the wife are solidarily liable for the unpaid balance with their separate properties.

3. 4.

5.

Those brought into the marriage as his/her own; Note: A property purchased before the marriage and fully paid during the marriage remains to be a separate property of either spouse (Lorenzo v. Nicolas, L-4085, July 30, 1952).

Delivery to each spouse of his/her remaining exclusive properties; Equal division of net community assets Unless there is: a. An agreement for a different proportion; or b. A voluntary waiver of such share; Delivery of the presumptive legitimes of the children; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Adjudication of conjugal dwelling and custody of common children. (Art. 102, FC)

2. 3. 4.

52

Those acquired during the marriage by gratuitous title; Those acquired by right of redemption, barter or exchange with exclusive property; That purchased with exclusive money of either spouse.

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Note: The controlling factor is the source of the money used, or the money promised to be paid (Rivera v. Bartolome, C.A., 40 O.G. 2090).

Note: In either case, any amount advanced by the partnership or by either or both spouses shall be reimbursed by the owner/s upon liquidation of the partnership.

Note: Either spouse may mortgage, encumber, alienate or otherwise dispose of his or her exclusive property (Art. 111 as amended by R.A. 10572)

Q: Yamane asserts that the parcel of land, which was purchased at auction, belonged to the conjugal partnership of him and his late wife. In the title, his name appeared to be merely descriptive of the civil status of the registered owner, his late wife. The purchase took place prior to the advent of the Family Code. Is the property conjugal or paraphernal property of his late wife?

Q: What are the rules in cases of improvement of exclusive property? A: 1.

2.

Reverse accession – If the cost of the improvement and the additional value is more than the value of the principal property at the time of the improvement, the entire property becomes conjugal. Accession – If the cost of the improvement and the additional value is equal to or less than the value of the principal property, the entire property becomes the exclusive property of the spouses

A: Conjugal. In this case, the provisions of the NCC would apply since the purchase took place before the FC took effect. Under Art. 160 of the NCC, all property of the marriage is presumed to belong to the conjugal partnership, unless it be proved that it pertains exclusively to the husband or the wife. In this case, there was no proof that the property had been acquired exclusively by Yamane's late wife. The mere registration of a property in the name of one spouse does not destroy its conjugal nature in the absence of strong, clear and convincing evidence that it was acquired using the exclusive funds of said spouse (Spouses Go v. Yamane, G.R. No. 160762, May 3, 2006).

Note: In either case, there shall be reimbursement upon the liquidation of the conjugal partnership and ownership of entire property shall be vested only upon reimbursement.

Q: What is the presumption with regard to property acquired during marriage?

Q: Dolores seeks to recover a parcel of land, alleging that she and her husband acquired such during their marriage, that it formed part of their conjugal properties and that he sold it without her consent. She presents as evidence their marriage contract and the initial tax declaration over the property.

A: GR: All property acquired during the marriage, whether the acquisition appears to have been made, contracted or registered in the name of one or both spouses, is presumed to be conjugal. XPN: Unless the contrary is proved.

A: Recovery is not warranted. The rule is all property of the marriage is presumed to be conjugal in nature. However, for this presumption to apply, the party who invokes it must first prove that it was acquired during the marriage. Here, Dolores' evidence consisted of her marriage contract and the initial tax declaration over the property. She did not identify when she and her husband first occupied and possessed the land. Neither did she present any witness to prove that they first occupied the property during their marriage and that they both, worked on the land (PintianoAnno v. Anno, G.R. No. 163743, January 27, 2006).

CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP PROPERTY Q: What constitutes CPG? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Those acquired by onerous title during the marriage with conjugal funds; Those obtained from labor, industry, work or profession of either or both spouses; Fruits of conjugal property due or received during the marriage and net fruits of separate property; Share of either spouse in hidden treasure; Those acquired through occupation such as hunting or fishing; Livestock in excess of what was brought to the marriage; Those acquired by chance such as winnings in gamblings and bettings. (Art. 117, FC)

Q: H & W got married on October 1926. H subsequently cohabited with X. During the cohabitation of H with X, H acquired certain properties and places his status as single. What is the nature of said properties? A: They are conjugal properties. Whether a property is conjugal or not is determined by law and not by the will of one of the spouses. No unilateral declaration by one spouse can change the character of conjugal property. The clear intent of H in placing his status as single is to exclude W from her lawful share in the conjugal property. The law does not allow this. The cohabitation of a spouse with another person, even for a long period, does not sever the tie of a subsisting previous marriage. H and X’s cohabitation cannot work to the detriment of W as the legal spouse. The marriage of H and W continued to exist regardless of the fact that H was already living with X. Hence, all property acquired from the date of their marriage until the death of

Q: What are the rules if a property is bought on installments paid partly from the exclusive funds of the spouses and partly from conjugal funds? A: 1. 2.

If full ownership was vested before the marriage – it shall belong to the buyer spouse. If full ownership was vested during the marriage – it shall belong to the conjugal partnership.

53


CIVIL LAW W are presumed conjugal. It was neither claimed nor proved that any of the subject properties was acquired outside or beyond this period. (Villanueva v. CA, G.R. No. 143286, April 14, 2004) CHARGES UPON AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CPG

A: That of the husband but subject to recourse to the court by the wife for proper remedy. Note: Prescriptive period for recourse is 5 years from the date of the contract implementing such decision.

DISSOLUTION OF CPG REGIME

Q: What are the charges upon the CPG?

Q: How is the conjugal partnership terminated?

A: D2-T2-E2-VAS 1. Support of the spouses, their common children and the legitimate children of either spouse; 2. Debts and obligations contracted by one without the consent of the other to the extent that the family benefited; 3. Debts and obligations contracted during the marriage by an administrator-spouse, both spouses or one with the consent of the other; 4. Taxes, liens, charges, expenses upon conjugal property; 5. Taxes and expenses for mere preservation of separate property; 6. Expenses for professional, vocational or selfimprovement courses of either spouse; 7. Ante-nuptial debts to the extent the family has been benefited; 8. Value of what is donated or promised to common legitimate children for professional, vocation or selfimprovement courses; 9. Expenses of litigation. (Art. 121, FC)

A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

LIQUIDATION OF THE CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Q: What are the steps in the liquidation of the CPG? A: R2-D4-IPA 1. Inventory of all the properties; 2. Restitution of advances made to each of the spouses; 3. Reimbursement for use of exclusive funds; 4. Debts and obligations of the CP are paid; 5. Delivery of exclusive properties; 6. Payment of losses and deterioration of movables belonging to each of the spouses; 7. Division of the net conjugal partnership; 8. Delivery of the children’s presumptive legitimes; 9. Adjudication of conjugal dwelling and custody of children. (Art. 129, FC)

Note: If the conjugal partnership is insufficient to cover the foregoing liabilities, spouses shall be solidarily liable for the unpaid balance with their separate properties.

Q: Levy was made on the conjugal partnership of husband and wife on the basis of liability of the husband as guarantor. Is the levy proper?

Q: Upon termination of the marriage by death, how shall the community property be liquidated? A: The community property shall be liquidated in the same proceeding for the settlement of the estate of the deceased spouse.

A: No. The payment of personal debts contracted by the husband or the wife before or during the marriage shall not be charged to the conjugal partnership except as they redounded to the benefit of the family. (Art. 122, FC)

Q: From where shall the support to be given to the surviving spouse and to the children be charged against during the liquidation?

ADMINISTRATION OF THE CPG Q: To whom does the right to administer the conjugal partnership belong?

A: The support shall come from the common mass of property and shall be particularly charged against the fruits, rents or income pertaining to their shares to the inventories property. But where the support given exceeds the fruits, rents or income pertaining to their shares, the excess shall be deducted from their respective shares as these are deemed advances from the inventoried property. (Art. 133, FC)

A: GR: It belongs to both spouses jointly. XPN: If one spouse is incapacitated or otherwise unable to participate in the administration of the common properties – capacitated or able spouse may assume sole powers of administration.

Q: In the absence of a judicial settlement proceeding, how shall the community property be liquidated?

But such powers do not include: DAE 1. Disposition; 2. Alienation; or 3. Encumbrance of the conjugal or community property.

A: The surviving spouse shall liquidate the community property either, judicially or extrajudicially within 1 year from the death of the deceased spouse.

Q: In case of disagreement, whose decision shall prevail?


Death of either spouse; Legal separation; Annulment; Judicial separation of property during marriage. (Art. 126, FC)

54

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Q: What if the conjugal partnership assets are less than the conjugal partnership liabilities at the time of liquidation of the CP?

2. 3.

A: The surviving spouse and the children shall not be entitled to support.

XPN: When there is legal separation 4.

Q: What are the effects if the community property is not liquidated? A: 1.

2.

The liability of the spouses to creditors shall be solidary with their separate properties; Mutual obligation to support each other continues;

Rights previously acquired by creditors are not prejudiced.

Q: How and in what instances can the property regime that existed between the spouses before the separation of property be revived?

Any disposition or encumbrance made by the surviving spouse involving community property of the terminated marriage shall be void. Should the surviving spouse contract a subsequent marriage a mandatory regime of complete separation of property shall govern the property relations of the subsequent marriage

A: Spouses may, in the same proceedings where separation of property was decreed, file a motion existed between them before the separation of property in any of the following instances: a. When the civil interdiction terminates b. When absentee spouse reappears c. When the court, being satisfied

SEPARATION OF PROPERTY OF THE SPOUSES AND ADMINISTRATION OF COMMON PROPERTY BY ONE SPOUSE DURING THE MARRIAGE

REGIME OF SEPARATION OF PROPERTY

Q: When shall the system of complete separation of property govern the property relations between the spouses?

Q: What governs the regime of separation of property? A: 1. 2.

A: Only in the following cases: 1. When it is expressly provided for in the marriage settlement 2. When it is so decreed by a competent court 3. Mandatory regime of complete separation of property

Marriage settlement Family Code in suppletory character. (Art. 149, FC)

Q: What are the kinds of separation of property? A: 1.

Q: In what ways can there be judicial separation of property? A: Judicial separation of property may either be: 1. voluntary 2. for sufficient cause

2.

Q: What are the sufficient causes for judicial separation of property?

As to extent: a. Total b. Partial – In this case, the property not agreed upon as separate shall pertain to the absolute community. As to kinds of property: a. Present property b. Future property c. Both present and future property

Q: What are the rights of the spouses under the regime of separation of property?

A: CJ-LASA 1. Civil interdiction of the spouse of petitioner; 2. Judicial declaration of absence; 3. Loss of parental authority as decreed by the court; 4. Abandonment or failure to comply with family obligation; 5. Administrator spouse has abused authority; 6. Separation in fact for one year and reconciliation is highly improbable. (Art. 135, FC)

A: 1.

2.

Each spouse shall own, dispose of, administer, possess, and enjoy his or her own separate property, without need of the consent of the other. Each spouse shall own all earnings from his or her profession, business or industry and all fruits, natural, industrial or civil, due or received during the marriage from his or her separate property.

Note: In cases provided in 1, 2 and 3, the presentation of the final judgment against the guilty or absent spouse shall be enough basis for the grant of the decree of judicial separation of property.

Q: What are the liabilities for family expenses of the spouses under the regime of separation of property?

Q: What are the effects of judicial separation of property between spouses?

A: GR: Both spouses shall bear the family expenses in proportion to their income.

A: 1.

XPN: In case of insufficiency or default thereof, to the current market value of their separate properties.

The absolute community or conjugal partnership is dissolved;

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CIVIL LAW

PROPERTY REGIME OF UNIONS WITHOUT MARRIAGE Q: What is the property regime of unions without marriage? A: ART. 147

ART. 148

Applicability Presence of legal impediment: 1. No legal impediment to marry; 1. Adulterous relationships 2. Void marriage on the ground of psychological 2. Bigamous/polygamous marriages incapacity. 3. Incestuous void marriages under Art. 37 4. Void marriages by reason of public policy (Art. 38) Salaries & wages Separately owned by the parties. If any is married, his/her Owned in equal shares salary pertains to the CPG of the legitimate marriage. Property exclusively acquired Belongs to party Belongs to such party upon proof of acquisition through exclusive funds Property acquired by both through their work or industry Owned in common in proportion to their respective contributions

Governed by rules of co-ownership

Presumption Property acquired while living together presumed obtained by their joint efforts, work or industry and owned by them in equal shares.

No presumption of joint acquisition. Actual joint contribution of money, property or industry shall be owned by them in common proportion.

If one party did not participate in acquisition: presumed to have contributed through care and However, their contributions are presumed equal, in the maintenance of family and household (Buenaventura v. absence if proof to the contrary Buenaventura, G.R. No. 127358, March 31, 2005) Forfeiture If one of the parties is validly married to another, his/her When only one is in GF, share of party in BF in the coshare in the co-ownership shall accrue to the ACP or CPG ownership be forfeited in favor of: existing in the marriage. 1. their common children 2. innocent party If the party who acted in BF is not validly married to another in default of / waiver by any/all common children, or by or if both parties are in BF, such share be forfeited in manner their descendants provided in the last par. of Art. 147 Proof of actual contribution Not necessary Necessary Note: For as long as it is proven that property was acquired during marriage, the presumption of conjugality will attach regardless in whose name the property is registered. The presumption is not rebutted by the mere fact that the certificate of title of the property or the tax declaration is in the name of one of the spouses (Villanueva v. CA, G.R. No. 143286, Apr. 14, 2004).


56

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Q: What property relation governs in case marriage is declared null and void on the ground of psychological incapacity?

maintenance of the family and of the household. Note: In this case, Francisco himself testified that his wife was not a plain housewife but one who helped him in managing the family's business. Hence, Erminda is rightfully entitled to a joint share in their properties (Gonzales v. Gonzales, G.R. No. 159521, December16, 2005).

A: The property relation between the parties is governed by Art. 147 of the FC. Under this property regime, property acquired by both spouses through their work and industry shall be governed by the rules on equal co-ownership. Any property acquired during the union is prima facie presumed to have been obtained through their joint efforts. A party who did not participate in the acquisition of the property shall still be considered as having contributed thereto jointly if said party's "efforts consisted in the care and maintenance of the family household." Unlike the conjugal partnership of gains, the fruits of the couple's separate property are not included in the co-ownership.

Q: Romeo and Juliet lived together as husband and wife without the benefit of marriage. During their cohabitation, they acquired a house. When they broke up, they executed an agreement where he agreed to leave the house provided Juliet will pay his entire share in their properties. She failed to do so but she also ignored his demand for her to vacate. Romeo sued her for ejectment which the court granted. Was the court correct in granting the same?

Q: Josefina’s petition for nullity of her marriage to Eduardo was granted on the ground of existence of a prior marriage. She now asserts that since her marriage to Eduardo is void, their property relation is to be governed by the rules on co-ownership under Art. 148 of the FC and not by Art.144 of the Civil Code. In this regime, Eduardo has no share at all in the properties since no proof was adduced by him as regards his participation in their purchase. However, she did not prove that she acquired the properties using her personal funds and prior to her cohabitation with Eduardo. Is her contention correct?

A: No. Under Art. 147 of the FC, the property is co-owned by the parties. Under said provision, in the absence of proof to the contrary, any property acquired by commonlaw spouses during their cohabitation is presumed to have been obtained thru their joint efforts and is owned by them in equal shares. Their property relationship in such a case is essentially governed by the rules on co-ownership. Thus, Romeo cannot seek the ejectment of Juliet therefrom. As a co-owner, she is as much entitled to enjoy its possession and ownership as him (Abing v. CA,G.R. No. 146294, Jul. 31, 2006).

A: No. Art. 148 of the FC does not apply since, in said article, a co-ownership may ensue in case of cohabitation where, for instance, one party has a pre-existing valid marriage, provided that the parties prove their actual joint contribution of money, property or industry and only to the extent of their proportionate interest thereon. Petitioner failed to adduce preponderance of evidence that she contributed money, property or industry in the acquisition of the subject property and, hence, is not a co-owner of the property. Since the subject property was acquired during the subsistence of the first marriage of Eduardo, under normal circumstances, the same should be presumed to be conjugal property of Eduardo and Josefina (Francisco v. Master Iron Works Construction Corp., G.R. No. 151967. February 16, 2005).

Q: Luis and Rizza, both 26 years of age and single, live exclusively with each other as husband and wife without the benefit of marriage, Luis is gainfully employed, Rizza is not employed, stays at home, and takes charge of the household chores. After living together for a little over twenty years, Luis was able to save from his salary earnings during that period the amount of P200,000.00 presently deposited in a bank. A house and lot worth P500,000.00 was recently purchased for the same amount by the couple. Of the P500.000.00 used by the common-law spouses to purchase the property, P200.000.00 had come from the sale of palay harvested from the hacienda owned by Luis and P300,000.00 from the rentals of a building belonging to Rizza. In fine, the sum of P500.000.00 had been part of the fruits received during the period of cohabitation from their separate property, a car worth P100.000.00 being used by the common-law spouses, was donated just months ago to Rizza by her parents.

Q: Francisco and Erminda’s marriage was nullified by the trial court due to psychological incapacity. He did not contest the decree of nullity but he assailed the division in the properties which was contained in the decree. He asserted that the properties were acquired through his efforts and that she had no contribution whatsoever in their acquisition and maintenance; hence, she should not be entitled to a joint share in their properties. Is Francisco’s contention correct?

Luis and Rizza now decide to terminate their cohabitation, and they ask you to give them your legal advice on how, under the law should the bank deposit of P200,000.00 the house and lot valued at P500.000.00 and the car worth P100.000.00 be allocated to them (1997 Bar Question)?

A: No. The property relation between the parties is governed by Art. 147 of the FC. Under this article, there is a presumption that the properties which they acquired during their cohabitation were acquired through their joint efforts, work or industry. It further provides that a party who did not participate in the acquisition thereof shall be deemed to have contributed jointly in the acquisition thereof if his or her efforts consisted in the care and

A: Art. 147 of the FC provides in part that when a man and a woman who are capacitated to marry each other, live exclusively with each other as husband and wife without the benefit of marriage or under a void marriage, their wages and salaries shall be owned by them in equal shares and the property acquired by both of them through their

57


CIVIL LAW work or industry shall be governed by the rules of coownership. In the absence of proof to the contrary, properties acquired while they lived together shall be presumed to have been obtained by their joint efforts, worker industry, and shall be owned by them in equal shares. A party who did not participate in the acquisition by the other party of any property shall be deemed to have contributed jointly in the acquisition thereof if the former's efforts consisted in the care and maintenance of the family and of the household. Thus: 1. The wages and salaries of Luis in the amount of P200, 000.00 shall be divided equally between Luis and Rizza. 2. The house and lot valued at P500.000.00 having been acquired by both of them through work or industry shall be divided between them in proportion to their respective contribution, in consonance with the rules on co-ownership. Hence, Luis gets 2\5 while Rizza gets 3\5 of P500.000.00. 3. The car worth P100, 000.00 shall be exclusively owned by Rizza, the same having been donated to her by her parents.

Addendum: However, after Rico's marriage to Letty, the coconut land of Rico will then become absolute community property of Rico and Letty.) 3.

Rico and Letty are the co-owners. The relations is the Absolute Community of Property (Arts, 75, 90 and 91, Family Code). THE FAMILY THE FAMILY AS AN INSTITUTION

Q: What is included in family relations? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Between husband and wife Between parents and children Among other ascendants and descendants Among brothers and sisters, whether of the full or half blood (Art. 150, FC)

Q: What governs family relations? Q: In 1989, Rico, then a widower 40 years of age, cohabited with Cora, a widow 30 years of age. While living together, they acquired from their combined earnings a parcel of riceland. After Rico and Cora separated, Rico lived together with Mabel, a maiden 16 years of age. While living together, Rico was a salaried employee and Mabel kept house for Rico and did full-time household chores for him. During their cohabitation, a parcel of coconut land was acquired by Rico from his savings.

A: Family relations are governed by the law. No custom, practice or agreement destructive of the family shall be recognized or given effect. (Art. 149, FC) Note: Even if not all forms of extra-marital relations are punishable under penal law, the sanctity of marriage is constitutionally recognized and likewise affirmed by our statutes as a special contract of permanent union. Accordingly, the Court has had little qualms with penalizing judicial employees for their dalliances with married persons or for their own betrayals of the marital vow of fidelity (Concerned Employee v. Mayor, A.M. No. P-02-1564, November 23, 2004).

After living together for 1 year, Rico and Mabel separated. Rico then met and married Letty, a single woman 26 years of age. During the marriage of Rico and Letty, Letty bought a mango orchard out of her own personal earnings. 1. 2.

3.

A: 1.

Who would own the riceland, and what property relation governs the ownership? Explain. Who would own the coconut land, and what property relation governs the ownership? Explain. Who would own the mango orchard, and what property relation governs the ownership? Explain. (1992 Bar Question)

Q: What are the requisites before a suit between members of the same family may prosper? A: 1. 2. 3.

Rico and Cora are the co-owners of the riceland. The relation is that of co-ownership (Art. 147, Family Code, first paragraph).

Note: This rule shall not apply to cases which may not be subject of compromise under the Art. 2035 of the NCC.

Q: In a complaint filed by Manolo against his brother, Rodolfo, it was alleged that the case "xxx passed through the Barangay and no settlement was forged between the plaintiffs and defendant as a result of which Certification to File Action was issued xxx". Rodolfo moved to dismiss for failure to comply with a condition precedent - that earnest efforts for an amicable settlement among the parties had been exerted but that none was reached. Decide.

Addendum: However, after Rico's marriage to Letty, the half interest of Rico in the riceland will then become absolute community property of Rico and Letty. 2.

Earnest efforts toward a compromise have been made; Such efforts failed; The fact that earnest efforts toward a compromise have been made but the same have failed appears in the verified complaint or petition.

Rico is the exclusive owner of the coconut land. The relation is a sole/single proprietorship (Art. 148. Family Code, first paragraph is applicable, and not Art. 147 Family Code).

A: The case will prosper. There was in fact substantial compliance with Art. 151 of the FC since the spouses UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

58

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS alleged in the complaint for ejectment that the case "xxx passed through the Barangay and no settlement was forged between the plaintiffs and defendant as a result of which Certification to File Action was issued by Barangay 97, Zone 8, District I, Tondo, Manila xxx". It bears stressing that under Sec. 412 (a) of R.A. 7160, no complaint involving any matter within the authority of the Lupon shall be instituted or filed directly in court for adjudication unless there has been a confrontation between the parties and no settlement was reached.

A: It is not exempt. Under Art. 155 of the FC, the family home shall be exempt from execution, forced sale, or attachment except for, among other things, debts incurred prior to the constitution of the family home. In the case at bar, the house and lot was not constituted as a family home, whether judicially or extra-judicially, at the time that the debtor incurred her debts. Under prevailing jurisprudence, it is deemed constituted as such by operation of law only upon the effectivity of the Family Code on August 3, 1988, thus, the debts were incurred before the constitution of the family home (Gomez-Salcedo, et al. v. Sta. Ines, et al., G.R. No. 132537, October 14, 2005).

Moreover, the phrase "members of the same family" found in Art. 151 of the FC must be construed in relation to Art. 150 thereof (Martinez, et al. v. Martinez, G.R. No. 162084. Jun. 28, 2005).

Q : Has the residential house and lot of Cesario Montana which he and his family built in 1960 but which was not constituted as a family home, whether judicially or extrajudicially, under the NCC been constituted as a family home by operation of law under Art. 153 of the FC, and therefore, exempt from execution from a money judgement where the debt or liability was incurred before the effectivity of the FC ?

Note: A sister-in-law or a brother-in-law is not covered by these two provisions. Being an exception to the general rule, Art. 151 must be strictly construed (Gayon v. Gayon, G.R. No. L-28394, November 26, 1970). THE FAMILY HOME

A : Under Art. 162 of the FC, it is provided that “the provisions of this Chapter shall also govern existing family residences insofar as said provisions are applicable.” It does not mean that Arts. 152 and 153 of the FC have a retroactive effect such that all existing family residences are deemed to have been constituted as a family home at the time of their occupation prior to the effectivity of the FX and are exempt from execution for the payment of obligations before the effectivity of the FC. Art. 162 simply means that all existing family residences at the time of the effectivity of the FC are considered family homes and are prospectively entitled to the benefits accorded to a family home under the FC (Manacop v. CA, 277 SCRA 64, August 11, 1997).

Q: What is meant by family home (FH) and how is it constituted? A: It is the dwelling house where the husband and wife and their family reside, and the land on which it is situated; it is constituted jointly by the husband and the wife or by an unmarried head of a family. (Art. 152, FC) Q: Can FH be constituted on a house constructed on a land belonging to another? A: No. The land where the house is erected is an integral part of the home and the home should be permanent in character.

Q: What are the rules for the family home to be exempt from execution?

Note: A house constructed on rented land or by tolerance of the owner is not a permanent improvement on the land and the home will thus be temporary.

A: If the family home was constructed before the effectivity of the FC, then it must have been constituted either judicially or extrajudicially as provided under Arts. 225, 229-231 and 233 of the NCC. Judicial constitution of the family home requires the filing of a verified petition before the courts and the registration of the court’s order with the Registry of Deeds of the area where the property is located. Meanwhile, extrajudicial constitution is governed by Arts. 240 to 242 of the NCC and involves the execution of a public instrument which must also be registered with the Registry of Property.

Q: What are the exceptions to the rule that the FH is exempt from execution, forced sale or attachment? A: LTPM 1. Debts due to Laborers, mechanics, architects, builders, material men and others who rendered service or furnished materials for the constitution of the building; 2. Non-payment of Taxes; 3. Debts incurred Prior to its constitution; 4. Debts secured by Mortgages on the premises before or after such constitution.

For family homes constructed after the effectivity of the FC, there is no need to constitute extrajudicially or judicially, and the exemption is effective from the time it was constituted and lasts as long as any of its beneficiaries actually resides therein. Moreover, the family home should belong to the absolute community or conjugal partnership, or if exclusively by one spouse, its constitution must have been with consent of the other, and its value must not exceed certain amounts depending upon the area where it is located. Further, the debts incurred for which the exemption does not apply as provided under Art. 155 for

Note: Exemption is limited to the value allowed in the FC.

Q: A complaint for damages was filed against Hinahon in 1986 when she incurred liabilities as early as 1977, which action prospered in 1989. The house and lot that she owned was levied upon and sold at auction. She assails the levy and sale on the ground that it was her family home and therefore exempt from execution. Decide.

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CIVIL LAW which the family home is made answerable must have been incurred after the effectivity of the FC.

home either by the owner thereof or by “any of its beneficiaries” must be actual. That which is “actual” is something real, or actually existing, as opposed to something merely possible, or to something which is presumptive and constructive. Actual occupancy, however, need not be by the owner of the house. Rather, the property may be occupied by the “beneficiaries” enumerated by Art. 154 of the FC (Manacop v. CA, 277 SCRA 65, August 11, 1997).

And in both cases, whether under the Civil Code or the Family Code, it is not sufficient that the person claiming exemption merely alleges that such property is a family home. This claim for exemption must be set up and proved (Juanita Trinidad Ramos, et al. v. Danilo Pangilinan et al. G.R. No. 185920, July 20, 2010).

Note: This enumeration may include the in-laws where the family home is constituted jointly by the husband and wife. But the law definitely excludes maids and overseers.

Q: Does the exemption of family home from execution be set up and proved? A: Yes. The family home’s exemption from execution must be set up and proved to the Sheriff before the sale of the property at public auction. It should be asserted that the property is a family home and that it is exempted from execution at the time it was levied or within a reasonable time thereafter. It is not sufficient that the person claiming exemption merely alleges that such property is a family home. Failure to do so will estop one from later claiming the said exemption (Spouses Araceli Oliva-De Mesa and Ernesto de Mesa v. Spouses Claudio D. Acero Jr. and Ma.Rufina D. Acero, Sheriff Felixberto L. Samonte and Registrar Alfredo Santos, G.R. No. 185064, January 16, 2012).

Q: On what properties must the family home be constituted? A: The family home must be part of the properties of the absolute community or the conjugal partnership or the exclusive properties of either spouse with the latter’s consent. It may also be constituted by an unmarried head of a family on his or her own property. Note: Property that is subject of a conditional sale on instalments where ownership is reserved by the vendor to guarantee payment of the purchase price may be constituted as a family home.

Q: What is the effect of death of one or both spouses or of the unmarried head of the family upon the family home?

Q: What are the guidelines in the constitution of the family home?

A: The family home shall continue despite the death of one or both spouses or of the unmarried head of the family for a period of 10 years or for as long as there is a minor beneficiary and the heirs cannot partition the same unless the court finds compelling reasons therefor. This rule shall apply regardless of whoever owns the property or constituted the family home. (Art. 159, FC)

A: 1-SAPOC 1. FH is deemed constituted from the time of Actual occupation as a family residence; 2. Only 1 FH may be constituted; 3. Must be Owned by the person constituting it; 4. Must be Permanent; 5. Same rule applies to both valid and voidable marriages and even to common law spouses; (Arts. 147 and 148) 6. It Continues despite death of one or both spouses or an unmarried head of the family for 10 years or as long as there is a minor beneficiary.

Q: What are the requisites in the sale, alienation, donation, assignment or encumbrance of the FH? A: The following must give their written consent: 1. The person who constituted the FH; 2. The spouse of the person who constituted the FH; 3. Majority of the beneficiaries of legal age.

Note: The heirs cannot partition the same unless the court finds compelling reasons therefor. This rule shall apply regardless of whoever owns the property or constituted the family home.

Note: In case of conflict, the court shall decide.

Q: Who are the beneficiaries of a FH? A: 1. 2.

Q: What are the requisites for the creditor to avail of the right to execute?

Husband and wife, or unmarried head of the family Parents (may include parents-in-law), ascendants, brothers and sisters (legitimate or illegitimate) living in the FH and dependent on the head of the family for support

A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: Miko contends that he should be deemed residing in the family home because his stay in the U.S. is merely temporary. He asserts that the person staying in the house is his overseer and that whenever his wife, Rosanna, visited the Philippines, she stayed in the family home. Is the contention of Miko meritorious?

Q: What is the procedure in exercising the right to execute? A: 1.

A: The law explicitly provides that occupancy of the family UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

He must be a judgment creditor; His claim must not be among those excepted under Art. 155; He has reasonable grounds to believe that the family home is worth more than the maximum amount fixed in Art. 157.

60

Creditor must file a motion in the court proceeding

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS where he obtained a favorable judgment for a writ of execution against the FH; 2. There will be a hearing on the motion where the creditor must prove that the actual value of the FH exceeds the maximum amount fixed by the Family Code, either at the time of its constitution or as a result of improvements introduced after its constitution; 3. If the creditor proves that the actual value exceeds the maximum amount, the court will order its sale in execution; 4. If the family home is sold for more than the value allowed, the proceeds shall be applied as follows: a. The obligations enumerated in Art. 155 must be paid b. The judgment in favor of the creditor will be paid, plus all the costs of execution The excess, if any, shall be delivered to the judgment debtor. (Art. 160, FC)

LEGITIMATE CHILDREN Q: Who is a legitimate child? A: One who is conceived or born during the marriage of the parents Q: When is a child conceived by artificial insemination considered legitimate? A: The following conditions must be present: 1. The artificial insemination is made on the wife, not on another woman; 2. The artificial insemination on the wife is done with the sperm of the husband or of a donor, or both the husband and a donor; 3. The artificial insemination has been authorized or ratified by the spouse on a written instrument executed and signed by them before the birth of the child; and 4. The written instrument is recorded in the civil registry together with the birth certificate of the child.

Q: How many family homes may a person constitute or be a beneficiary of, for the purposes of availing of the benefits of a family home?

Q: What are the rights of legitimate children?

A: A person may constitute or be the beneficiary of only one family home for purposes of availing of the benefits of a family home. (Art. 161, FC)

A: 1. 2.

PATERNITY AND FILIATION

To bear the surname of the father and the mother; To receive support from their parents, their ascendants, and in proper cases, their brothers and sisters; To be entitled to the legitimate and other successional rants granted to them by Art. 174 of the FC.

Q: To what do paternity and filiation refer to?

3.

A: Paternity and filiation refer to the relationship existing between parent and child.

Q: On what grounds may legitimacy be impugned?

Note: Filiation may be by nature or adoption, legitimate or illegitimate.

A: legitimacy of the child may be impugned only on the following grounds: 1. Physical impossibility of the husband to have sexual intercourse with his wife within the first 120 days of the 300 days which immediately preceded the birth of the child 2. It is proved that the child could not have been that of the husband 3. In case of artificial insemination, the written authorization or ratification of either parent was obtained through mistake, fraud, violence, intimidation, or undue influence.

Q: What are the classifications of filiation? A: LILA GENERAL RULE

EXCEPTIONS Legitimate Conceived or born within a valid marriage Illegitimate

Conceived and born outside a valid marriage Legitimated Conceived or born outside of wedlock of parents without impediment to marry at the time of conception and had subsequently married.

Q: What is the rule on status of child where the mother contracted another marriage within 300 days after termination of the former? A: The child shall be considered as conceived during the:

Requisites of Legitimation: 1. No legal impediment for parents to marry at time of conception; 2. Valid marriage subsequent to child’s birth. Adopted (Please refer to related notes on Adoption laws at page 61)

1.

2.

61

Former marriage– if child is born: a. Before 180 days after the solemnization of the subsequent marriage, provided it is born b. Within 300 days after termination of former marriage Subsequent marriage –if a child is born: a. 180 days after the celebration of the subsequent marriage; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW b.

even though it be born within 300 days after the termination of the former marriage.

Illustrations: 1.

th

th

180 day takes place before 300 day Subsequent marriage solemnized

Former marriage terminated

2.

180th day from solemnization of subsequent marriage

300th day from termination of former marriage

Born during this period:

Born during this period:

Conceived during Former Marriage

Conceived during Subsequent Marriage

th

th

180 day takes place after 300 day

Subsequent marriage solemnized

Former marriage terminated

Born during this period: Conceived during Former Marriage

300th day from termination of former marriage

Born during this period: Conceived during Subsequent Marriage

Q: Distinguish action to impugn legitimacy and action to claim legitimacy.

Note: Must be filed within 5 without having years. desisted; 3. Child was born after the death of husband. Prescription GR: During the lifetime of the child 1 year – husband reside in the same municipality or XPN: Lifetime of the city where birth took place putative father 2 years – husband reside NOT in the same In cases where the action is municipality or city for the recognition of 3 years – husband is living illegitimate child by “open abroad and continuous possession” of the status.

A: ACTION TO IMPUGN LEGITIMACY

ACTION TO CLAIM LEGITIMACY Remedy

Action to impugn legitimacy or illegitimacy GR: Husband

Action to claim legitimacy (compulsory recognition)

Real party in interest GR: Child

XPNs: Heirs, in cases where: 1. Husband died before the expiration of the period for bringing the action; 2. Husband died after filing the complaint,

XPNs: Heirs of the child, in cases where: 1. Child died in state of insanity 2. Child died during minority


180th day from solemnization of subsequent marriage

62

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Q: What are the grounds to impugn legitimacy of the child? A: 1.

2.

3.

Q: When does the prescriptive period start to run? A: GR: The prescriptive period for filing action impugning the legitimacy of the child shall be counted from the knowledge of birth or its recording in the civil registry.

Physical impossibility for the husband to have sexual intercourse with his wife within the first 120 days of the 300 days which immediately preceded the birth of the child because of: a. Physical incapacity of the husband to have sexual intercourse with his wife, b. The fact that the husband and wife were living separately in such a way that sexual intercourse was not possible, or c. Serious illness of the husband which absolutely prevented intercourse; Proved that for biological or other scientific reasons, the child could not have been that of the husband, except in the case of children conceived through artificial insemination; In case of children conceived through artificial insemination, the written authorization or ratification of either parent was obtained through mistake, fraud, violence, intimidation or undue influence.

XPN: If the birth was: 1. Concealed from or 2. Was unknown to the husband or his heirs, the periods shall be counted from the discovery or knowledge of the birth of the child or of the act of registration of said birth, whichever is earlier. Q: Is the right to claim filiation transmissible to the heirs of the child? A: GR: The right to claim filiation may be used only by the child. It is not transmissible to the heirs. XPN: In cases where child died: 1. During minority or 2. In a state of insanity. Q: When should an action to claim legitimacy be brought?

Q: Is sterility synonymous with impotency? A: No, they are not synonymous. Sterility is the inability to procreate, while impotency is the physical inability to copulate (Menciano v. San Jose, 89, Phil. 63).

A: It depends on who is bringing the action: 1. By the child – during his lifetime 2. By his heirs – within 5 years should the child die during minority or in a state of insanity

Q: Will an infliction of the last stages of tuberculosis be a ground for impugnation of the legitimacy of the child?

Note: Questioning legitimacy may not be collaterally attacked. It can be impugned only in a direct action.

A: Tuberculosis, even in its last stages, is not the kind of serious illness of the husband that will establish physical impossibility of access (Andal v. Macaraig, 89 Phil.165).

PROOF OF FILIATION Q: What are the different kinds of proof of filiation? A: Proof of filiation has two kinds: 1. Primary proof consists of the ff: a. Record of birth appearing in civil registrar or final judgment; b. Admission of legitimate filiation in public document or private handwritten instrument signed by parent concerned. 2. Secondary consists of the ff: a. Open and continuous possession of legitimacy; b. Any means allowed by the Rules of Court and special laws.

Q: What is the effect of the declaration of a wife against the legitimacy of the child where the child is conclusive presumed to be the legitimate child of H and W? A: The child shall still be legitimate, although the mother may have declared against his legitimacy. This law likewise applies to such instances where the mother may have been sentenced as an adulteress (Art. 167, FC). Q: Who may attack the legitimacy of the child? A: GR: Only the husband can contest the legitimacy of the child.

Note: To prove open and continuous possession of the status of an illegitimate child, there must be evidence of manifestation of the permanent intention of the supposed father to consider the child as his, by continuous and clear manifestations of parental affection and care, which cannot be attributed to pure charity.

XPNs: Heirs of the husband may impugn the filiation of the child within the period prescribed in Art. 170 of the FC only in the following cases: 1. If the husband should die before the expiration of the period fixed for brining his action; 2. If he should die after the filing of the complaint, without having desisted therefrom; or 3. If the child was born after the death of the husband. (Art. 171, FC)

Such acts must be of such a nature that they reveal not only the conviction of paternity, but also the apparent desire to have and treat the child as such in all relations in society and in life, not accidentally, but continuously (Jison v. CA, G.R. No. 124853, February 24, 1998).

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CIVIL LAW Q: Will pictures or certificate of baptism constitute authentic documents to prove the legitimate filiation of a child?

The SSS granted her claim but this was withdrawn after investigation, when a sister of the decedent informed the system that Pablo could not have sired a child during his lifetime because he was infertile. However in lyn’s birth certificate, Pablo affixed his signature and he did not impugn lyn’s legitimacy during his lifetime. Was the SSS correct in withdrawing the death benefits?

A: Pictures or the canonical baptismal certificate do not constitute the authentic documents to prove the legitimate filiation of a child. The baptismal certificate of the child, standing alone, is not sufficient. It is not a record of birth. Neither is it a public instrument nor a private handwritten instrument (Abelle v. Santiago, 7 SCRA 925).

A: No. Under Art. 164 of the FC, children conceived or born during the marriage of the parents are legitimate. This presumption becomes conclusive in the absence of proof that there is physical impossibility of access under Art. 166. Further, upon the expiration of the periods for impugning legitimacy under Art. 170, and in the proper cases under Art. 171, of the FC, the action to impugn would no longer be legally feasible and the status conferred by the presumption becomes fixed and unassailable. In this case, there is no showing that Pablo, who has the right to impugn the legitimacy of lyn, challenged her status during his lifetime. Furthermore, there is adequate evidence to show that the child was in fact his child, and this is the birth certificate where he affixed his signature (SSS v. Aguas, et al., G.R. No. 165546, February 27, 2006).

Q: May a baptismal certificate prove filiation? A: Just like in a birth certificate, the lack of participation of the supposed father in the preparation of a baptismal certificate renders this document incompetent to prove paternity. And “while a baptismal certificate may be considered a public document, it can only serve as evidence of the administration of the sacrament on the date specified but not the veracity of the entries with respect to the child’s paternity. Thus, baptismal certificates are per se inadmissible in evidence as proof of filiation and they cannot be admitted indirectly as circumstantial evidence to prove the same” (Antonio Perla v. Mirasol Baring and Randy B. Perla, G.R. No. 172471, November 12, 2012).

Q: In an action for partition of estate, the trial court dismissed it on the ground that the respondent, on the basis of her birth certificate, was in fact the illegitimate child of the deceased and therefore the latter's sole heir, to the exclusion of petitioners. However, trial court failed to see that in said birth certificate, she was listed therein as “adopted.” Was the trial court correct in dismissing the action for partition?

Q: What are the rules in proving filiation? A: GR: Primary proof shall be used to prove filiation. XPN: In absence of primary proof, secondary proof may be resorted to.

A: No. The trial court erred in relying upon the said birth certificate in pronouncing the filiation of the respondent. However, since she was listed therein as “adopted”, she should therefore have presented evidence of her adoption in view of the contents of her birth certificate. In this case, there is no showing that she undertook such. It is wellsettled that a record of birth is merely prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. It is not conclusive evidence of the truthfulness of the statements made there by the interested parties (Rivera v. Heirs of Romualdo Villanueva, G.R. No. 141501, July 21, 2006).

Note: For illegitimate children, if the action is based on par. 2 of Art. 172 (secondary proof), the action may be brought only during the lifetime of the alleged parent.

Q: May a will which was not presented for probate sufficiently establish filiation? A: Yes. It still constitutes a public document or private handwritten instrument signed by parent concerned. Q: When is a prima facie case said to exist?

Q: In a complaint for partition and accounting with damages, Ma. Theresa alleged that she is the illegitimate daughter of Vicente, and therefore entitled to a share in the estate left behind by the latter. As proof, she presented her birth certificate which Vicente himself signed thereby acknowledging that she is his daughter. Is the proof presented by Ma.Theresa sufficient to prove her claim that she is an illegitimate child of Vicente?

A: We explained that a prima facie case exists if a woman declares — supported by corroborative proof — that she had sexual relations with the putative father; at this point, the burden of evidence shifts to the putative father. We explained further that the two affirmative defenses available to the putative father are: (1) incapability of sexual relations with the mother due to either physical absence or impotency, or (2) that the mother had sexual relations with other men at the time of conception (Charles Gotardo v. Divina Buling, G.R. No. 165166, August 15, 2012).

A: Yes. Citing the earlier case of De Jesus v. Estate of Juan Dizon, (366 SCRA 499), the Supreme Court held that the Ma. Theresa was able to establish that Vicente was in fact her father. The due recognition of an illegitimate child in a record of birth, a will, a statement before a court of record, or in any authentic writing is, in itself, a consummated act of acknowledgment of the child, and no further court action is required. The rule is, any authentic writing is treated not just as a ground for compulsory recognition; it is in itself a

Q: Rosanna, as surviving spouse, filed a claim for death benefits with the SSS upon the death of her husband, Pablo. She indicated in her claim that the decedent is also survived by their minor child, lyn, who was born in 1991. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

64

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS voluntary recognition that does not require a separate action for judicial approval. (Eceta v. Eceta, G.R. No. 157037, May 20, 2004)

execution, which is, the fact of birth of a child. A birth certificate, in order to be considered as validating proof of paternity and as an instrument of recognition, must be signed by the father and mother jointly, or by the mother alone if the father refuses. There having been no convincing proof of respondent's supposed legitimate relations with respect to the decedent, the presumption of legitimacy under the law did not therefore arise in her favor (Angeles v. Angeles-Maglaya, G.R. No. 153798, September2, 2005).

Q: Gerardo filed a complaint for bigamy against Ma. Theresa, alleging that she had a previous subsisting marriage when she married him. The trial court nullified their marriage and declared that the son, who was born during their marriage and was registered as their son, as illegitimate. What is the status of the child?

Q: On the basis of the physical presentation of the plaintiff-minor before it and the fact that the alleged father had admitted having sexual intercourse with the child's mother, the trial court, in an action to prove filiation with support, held that the plaintiff-minor is the child of the defendant with the plaintiff-minor's mother. Was the trial court correct in holding such?

A: The first marriage being found to be valid and subsisting, whereas that between Gerardo and Ma. Theresa was void and non-existent, the child should be regarded as a legitimate child out of the first marriage. This is so because the child's best interest should be the primordial consideration in this case. Q: Gerardo and Ma. Theresa, however, admitted that the child was their son. Will this affect the status of the child?

A: No. In this age of genetic profiling and DNA analysis, the extremely subjective test of physical resemblance or similarity of features will not suffice as evidence to prove paternity and filiation before courts of law. This only shows the very high standard of proof that a child must present in order to establish filiation.

A: No. The admission of the parties that the child was their son was in the nature of a compromise. The rule is that: the status and filiation of a child cannot be compromised. Art. 164 of the FC is clear that a child who is conceived or born during the marriage of his parents is legitimate (Concepcion v. CA, G.R. No. 123450. August 31, 2005).

Note: The birth certificate that was presented by the plaintiffminor appears to have been prepared without the knowledge or consent of the putative father. It is therefore not a competent piece of evidence on paternity. The local civil registrar in this case has no authority to record the paternity of an illegitimate child on the information of a third person. Similarly, a baptismal certificate, while considered a public document, can only serve as evidence of the administration of the sacrament on the date specified therein but not the veracity of the entries with respect to the child's paternity (Macadangdang v. CA, 100 SCRA 73). Thus, certificates issued by the local civil registrar and baptismal certificates are per se inadmissible in evidence as proof of filiation and they cannot be admitted indirectly as circumstantial evidence to prove the same (Jison v. CA, 350 Phil. 138; Cabatania v. CA, G.R. No. 124814. October 21, 2004).

Q: What is the effect of Ma. Theresa’s claim that the child is her illegitimate child with her second husband, to the status of the child? A: None. This declaration – an avowal by the mother that her child is illegitimate – is the very declaration that is proscribed by Art. 167 of the FC. This proscription is in consonance with, among others, the intention of the law to lean towards the legitimacy of children (Concepcion v. CA, G.R. No. 123450. August 31, 2005). Q: In a petition for issuance of letters of administration, Cheri Bolatis alleged that she is the sole legitimate daughter of decedent, Ramon and Van Bolatis. Phoebe, the decedent's second wife, opposed the petition and questioned the legitimate filiation of Cheri to the decedent, asserting that Cheri’s birth certificate was not signed by Ramon and that she had not presented the marriage contract between her alleged parents which would have supported her claim.

Q: Ann Lopez, represented by her mother Araceli Lopez, filed a complaint for recognition and support of filiation against Ben-HurNepomuceno. She assailed that she is the illegitimate daughter of Nepomuceno submitting as evidence the handwritten note allegedly written and signed by Nepomuceno. She also demanded for financial support along with filial recognition. Nepomuceno denied the assertions reasoning out that he was compelled to execute the handwritten note due to the threats of the National People’s Army. RTC ruled in favor of Ann. Is the trial court correct?

In said birth certificate, it was indicated that her birth was recorded as the legitimate child of Ramon and Van Bolatis, and contains as well the word "married" to reflect the union between the two. However, it was not signed by Ramon and Vanemon Bolatis. It was merely signed by the attending physician, who certified to having attended to the birth of a child. Does the presumption of legitimacy apply to Cherimon?

A: Ann’s demand for support is dependent on the determination of her filiation. However, she relies only on the handwritten note executed by petitioner. The note does not contain any statement whatsoever about her filiation to petitioner. It is, therefore, not within the ambit of Article 172(2) vis-à-vis Art. 175 of the FC which admits as competent evidence of illegitimate filiation an admission of filiation in a private handwritten instrument signed by the parent concerned.

A: No. Since the birth certificate was not signed by Cher's alleged parents but was merely signed by the attending physician, such a certificate, although a public record of a private document is, under Sec. 23, Rule 132 of the Rules of Court, evidence only of the fact which gave rise to its

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CIVIL LAW The Court is mindful that the best interests of the child in cases involving paternity and filiation should be advanced. It is, however, just as mindful of the disturbance that unfounded paternity suits cause to the privacy and peace of the putative father’s legitimate family (BenHurNepomuceno v. Archbencel Ann Lopez, represented by her mother Araceli Lopez G.R. No. 181258, March 18, 2010).

Q: How may illegitimate children establish their illegitimate filiation should their status be impugned? When must the action to claim illegitimacy be brought? A: Illegitimiate children may establish their illegitimate filiation in the same way and on the same evidence as st legitimate children. (Art. 175, 1 sentence, FC)

ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN The action must be brought in the same period specified in Art. 173 of the FC, except when the action is based on the nd 2 par. of Art. 172 of the FC, in which case the action may be brought during the lifetime of the alleged parent. (Art. 175, FC)

Q: Who are illegitimate children? A: Children conceived and born outside a valid marriage: 1. children born of couples who are not legally married or of common law marriages 2. children born of incestuous marriage 3. children born of bigamous marriage 4. children born of adulterous relations between parents 5. children born of marriages which are void for reasons of public policy under Art. 18 6. children born of couples below 18, whether they are married (which marriage is valid) or not 7. children born of void marriages under Art. 35, except where the marriage is void for lack of authority on the part of the solemnizing officer, but the parties or either of them believed in good faith that the solemnizing officer had authority, in which case the marriage will be considered valid and the children will be considered legitimate.

LEGITIMATED CHILDREN Q: Who are legitimated children? A; Legitimated children are those who, because of the subsequent marriage of their parents to each other are by legal fiction, considered legitimate. Q: What is legitimation? A: Legitimation is a remedy or process by means of which those who in fact not born in wedlock and should therefore be ordinarily illegitimate, are by fiction, considered legitimate.

Q: What are the rights of an illegitimate child?

Q: Who are entitled to legitimation?

A: 1. 2.

A: Only children conceived and born outside of wedlock of parents who, at the time of conception, were not disqualified by any impediment to marry each other or were so disqualified only because either or both of them were below eighteen (18) years of age (Art. 177, FC as amended by R.A. 9858).

3. 4.

They shall use the surname of the mother; They shall be under the parental authority of the mother; They shall be entitled to support in conformity with the FC; They shall be entitled to a legitime which shall consist of ½ of the legitime of a legitimate child. (Art. 176, FC)

Q: How does legitimation take place?

Q: What is the effect of the recognition of an illegitimate child by the father?

A: Legitimation takes place by a subsequent valid marriage between parents.

A: Such recognition would be a ground for ordering the latter to give support to, but not the custody of the child. The law explicitly confers to the mother sole parental authority over an illegitimate child; it follows that only if she defaults can the father assume custody and authority over the minor (Briones v. Miguel, G.R. No. 156343, October 18, 2004).

Note: The annulment of a voidable marriage shall not affect the legitimation. (Art. 178, FC)

Q: In what instances may an illegitimate child use the surname of their father?

Q: Who may impugn legitimation?

Q: When does legitimation take place? A: It shall retroact to the time of the child’s birth. (Art 180, FC)

A: Only by those who are prejudiced in their rights.

A: RAP 1. Filiation has been Recognized by the father through the record of birth appearing in the civil register 2. Admission in public document 3. Private handwritten instrument is made by the father

Q: What are the requisites of legitimation? A: 1. 2.

Note: Provided that the father has the right to institute an action before the regular courts to prove non-filiation during his lifetime.


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Child must have been conceived and born outside of wedlock; Child’s parents, at the time of former’s conception, were not disqualified by any impediment to marry

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS

3.

each other or were so disqualified only because either or both of them were below eighteen (18) years of age; The subsequent valid marriage of the parents.

Q: Can Laica bring an action to impugn her own status on the ground that based on DNA results, Roderick is her biological father? A: No, she cannot impugn her own filiation. The law does not allow a child to impugn his or her own filiation. In the problem, Laica’s legitimate filiation was accorded to her by operation of law which may be impugned only by Brad, or his heirs in the cases provided by law within the prescriptive period.

Q: Why is an illegitimate child of a woman who gets married allowed to bear the surname of her spouse, while a legitimate child may not? A: To allow the child to adopt the surname of his mother’s second husband, who is not his father, could result in confusion in his paternity. It could also create the suspicion that the child, who was born during the covertures of his mother with her first husband, was in fact sired by the second husband, thus bringing his legitimate status into discredit (Republic v. Vicencio, G.R. No. 88202. December14, 1998).

Q: Can Laica be legitimated by the marriage of her biological parents? A: No she cannot be legitimated by the marriage of her biological parents. In the first place she is not, under the law, the child of Roderick. In the second place, her biological parents could not have validly married each other at the time she was conceived and born simply because Faye was still married to Roderick at that time. Under Art. 177 of the FC, only children conceived or born outside of wedlock of parents who, at the time of the conception of the child were not disqualified by any impediment to marry each other, may be legitimated.

Q: Roderick and Faye were high school sweethearts. When Roderick was 18 and Faye, 16 years old, they started living together as husband and wife without the benefit of marriage. When Faye reached 18 years of age, her parents forcibly took her back and arranged for her marriage to Brad. Although Faye lived with Brad after the marriage, Roderick continued to regularly visit Faye while Brad was away at work. During their marriage, Faye gave birth to a baby girl, Laica. When Faye was 25 years old, Brad discovered her continued liaison with Roderick and in one of their heated arguments, Faye shot Brad to death. She lost no time in marrying her true love Roderick, without a marriage license, claiming that they have been continuously cohabiting for more than 5 years. Was the marriage of Roderick and Faye valid? (2008 Bar Question)

Q: Who may oppose legitimation? Within what time may the impugnation of the legitimation be made? A: Legitimation may be impugned only by those who are prejudiced in their rights, within 5 years from the time their cause of action accrues, that is, from the death of the putative parent.

A: The marriage was void because there was no marriage license. Their marriage was not exempt from the requisite of a marriage license because Roderick and Faye have not been cohabiting for at least 5 continuous years before the celebration of their marriage. Their lovers’ trysts and brief visitations did not amount to “cohabitation”. Moreover, the Supreme Court held that for the marriage to be exempt from a license, there should be no impediment for them to marry each other during the entire 5 years of cohabitation. Roderick and Faye could not have cohabited for 5 years of cohabitation. Roderick and Faye could not have been cohabited for 5 continuous years without impediment because Faye was then legally married to Brad. Q: What is the filiation status of Laica?

A: Having been born during the marriage of Faye and Brad, she is presumed to be the legitimate child of Faye and Brad, she is presumed to be the legitimate child of Faye and Brad. This presumption had become conclusive because the period of time to impugn her filiation had already prescribed.

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CIVIL LAW RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

4. 5.

Q: What are the rights of legitimate and illegitimate children?

6.

A:

7. LEGITIMATE CHILDREN

ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN

XPN: It is not necessary that adopter be at least 16 years older: a. Adopter is the biological parent of the adoptee, b. Adopter is the spouse of adoptee’s parent.

Surname Bear the surnames of both parents (mother and father)

Bear the surname of either the mother or the father under R.A. 9255

Q: What are the qualifications of an alien who may adopt under R.A. 8552?

Support Receive support from: 1. Parents; 2. Ascendants; and 3. in proper cases, brothers and sisters under Art. 174.

Full civil capacity and legal rights; Not been Convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude; Emotionally and psychologically capable of caring for children; GR: At least 16 years older than adoptee

A: SD-3 1. Possesses Same qualifications as those enumerated for Filipino adopters; 2. His country has Diplomatic relations with the Philippines; 3. GR: Has been living in the Philippines for at least 3 continuous years prior to the application for adoption and maintains such residence until adoption decree has been entered.

Receive support according to provision of FC

Legitime Full Legitimes and other Share is equivalent to ½ of successional rights under the share of a legitimate the NCC child Period for filing action for claim of legitimacy or illegitimacy For primary proof: his/her whole lifetime His/her whole lifetime regardless of type of proof For secondary proof: provided under Art. 172 only during the lifetime of the alleged parent Transmissibility of right to file an action to claim legitimacy Yes No Right to inherit ab intesto No right to inherit ab intesto from legitimate children and Yes relatives of father and mother under Art. 992, NCC (Iron Curtain Rule)

XPNs: a. He is a former Filipino who seeks to adopt a th relative within the 4 civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, b. He is married to a Filipino and seeks to adopt th jointly with his spouse a relative within the 4 degree of consanguinity or affinity, c. He is married to a Filipino and seeks to adopt the legitimate or illegitimate child of his Filipino spouse. Q: How may a guardian adopt his ward? A: A guardian may only adopt his ward after termination of guardianship and clearance of his financial accountabilities. Q: What is the rule when a person seeking to adopt has a spouse?

ADOPTION DOMESTIC ADOPTION LAW

A: GR: Such person must adopt with his spouse jointly. The general rule is that husband and wife shall jointly adopt.

WHO CAN ADOPT XPNs: 1. One spouse seeks to adopt the legitimate child of the other; 2. One spouse seeks to adopt his own illegitimate child; 3. Spouses are legally separated.

Q: Who may adopt? A: 1. 2. 3.

Filipino citizens; Aliens; Guardians with respect to their ward.

Q: Spouses Primo and Monica Lim, childless, were entrusted with the custody of two minor children, the parents of whom were unknown. Eager of having children of their own, the spouses made it appear that they were the children’s parents by naming them Michelle P. Lim and Michael Jude Lim. Subsequently, Monina married Angel Olario after Primo’s death of her husband. She decided to adopt the children by availing the amnesty given under

Q: What are the qualifications of a Filipino who may adopt? A: LPG-FEC-16 1. Must be of Legal age; 2. In a Position to support and care for his children; 3. Good moral character; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS R.A. 8552 to those individuals who simulated the birth of a child. She filed separate petitions for the adoption of Michelle, then 25 years old and Michael, 18. Both Michelle and Michael gave consent to the adoption.

ADOPTEE Q: Who may be adopted? A: 1.

The trial court dismissed the petition and ruled that Monina should have filed the petition jointly with her new husband. Monina, in a Motion for Reconsideration argues that mere consent of her husband would suffice and that joint adoption is not needed, for the adoptees are already emancipated.

2. 3. 4.

Is the trial court correct in dismissing the petitions for adoption? 5. 6.

A: Yes. Sec. 7 Art. 3 of R.A. 8552 reads: Sec. 7 – Husband and wife shall jointly adopt xxx. The use of the word “shall” in the above-quoted provision means that joint adoption by the husband and the wife is mandatory. This is in consonance with the concept of joint parental authority over the child which is the ideal situation. As the child to be adopted is elevated to the level of a legitimate child, it is but natural to require the spouses to adopt jointly. The rule also ensures harmony between the spouses.

Any person below 18 of age who has been administratively or judicially declared available for adoption; Legitimate child of one spouse by the other spouse; Illegitimate child by a qualified adopter to improve the status of said child to that of legitimacy; Person of legal age, if prior to the adoption, said person has been consistently considered and treated by adopters as their child since minority; Child whose adoption has been previously rescinded; Child whose biological parents have died provided no proceedings have been initiated within 6 months from time of death.

Q: What is the definition of “child”? A: A child is any person below 18 years old. Q: What is the definition of “child legally free for adoption”? A: A child voluntarily or involuntarily committed to the DSWD, freed of his biological parents, guardians, adopters in case of rescission.

The law is clear. There is no room for ambiguity. Monina, having remarried at the time the petitions for adoption were filed, must jointly adopt. Since the petitions for adoption were filed only by Monina herself, without joining her husband, Olario, the trial court was correct in denying the petitions for adoption on this ground (In Re: Petition for Adoption of Michelle P. Lim, In Re: Petition for Adoption of Michael Jude P. Lim, Monina P. Lim, G.R. Nos. 168992-93, May 21, 2009).

Q: Whose written consent is necessary for adoption? A: 1. 2.

Q: Is joint adoption still needed when the adoptees are already emancipated?

3. 4.

A: Yes. Even if emancipation terminates parental authority, the adoptee is still considered a legitimate child of the adopter with all the rights of a legitimate child such as: (1) to bear the surname of the father and the mother; (2) to receive support from their parents; and (3) to be entitled to the legitime and other successional rights. Conversely, the adoptive parents shall, with respect to the adopted child, enjoy all the benefits to which biological parents are entitled such as support and successional rights.

5. 6.

Adoptee, if 10 years of age and over; Biological parents of the child, if known or the legal guardian, or the proper government instrumentality which has legal custody of the child; Legitimate children of the adopter, if 10 years old or over; Illegitimate children of the adopter, if 10 years old or over and living with him; Spouse of the adopted, if married; Spouse of the adopter, if married.

Q: Bernadette filed a petition for adoption of the three minor children of her late brother, Ian. She alleged that when her brother died, the children were left to the care of their paternal grandmother, Anna, who went to Italy. This grandmother died however, and so she filed the petition for adoption. The minors gave their written consent to the adoption and so did all of her own grownup children. The trial court granted the decree of adoption even though the written consent of the biological mother of the children was not adduced by Bernadette. Was the trial court correct in granting the decree of adoption?

Q: May a person who already has children of his own adopt? A: Yes, a person who already has children of his own may still adopt, provided, that he is in a position to support and care for his children, legitimate or illegitimate, in keeping with the means of the family, both material and otherwise. (Art. 183, par. 1, FC)

A: No. The rule is adoption statutes must be liberally construed in order to give spirit to their humane and salutary purpose which is to uplift the lives of unfortunate, needy or orphaned children. However, the discretion to approve adoption proceedings on the part of the courts should not to be anchored solely on those principles, but with due regard likewise to the natural rights of the parents

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CIVIL LAW over the child. The written consent of the biological parents is indispensable for the validity of the decree of adoption. Indeed, the natural right of a parent to his child requires that his consent must be obtained before his parental rights and duties may be terminated and vested in the adoptive parents. In this case, since the minors' paternal grandmother had taken custody of them, her consent should have been secured instead in view of the absence of the biological mother. This is so under Sec. 9 (b) of R.A. 8552, otherwise known as the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998. Diwata failed in this respect, thus necessitating the dismissal of her petition for adoption (Landingin v. Republic, G.R. No. 164948, June 27, 2006).

5.

Q: State the effects of rescission of the adoption in the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 (RA 8552). A: 1.

Q: On what grounds may an adoptee seek the rescission of the adoption? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

In legal and intestate succession, the adopters and the adoptee shall have reciprocal rights of succession without distinction from legitimate filiation. However, if the adoptee and his/her biological parents had left a will, the law on testamentary succession shall govern.

2. 3.

Attempt on the life of the adoptee; Sexual assault or violence; Abandonment and failure to comply with parental obligations; Repeated physical or verbal maltreatment by the adopter.

4.

5.

If adoptee is still a minor or is incapacitated – Restoration of: a. Parental authority of the adoptee’s biological parents, if known’ or b. Legal custody of the DSWD; Reciprocal rights and obligations of the adopters and adoptee to each other shall be extinguished; Court shall order the civil registrar to cancel the amended certificate of birth of the adoptee and restore his/her original birth certificate; Succession rights shall revert to its status prior to adoption, but only as of the date of judgment of judicial rescission; Vested rights acquired prior to judicial rescission shall be respected.

Q: May the adopter seek the rescission of the adoption? Q: Despite several relationships with different women, Andrew remained unmarried. His first relationship with Brenda produced a daughter, Amy, now 30 years old. His second, with Carla, produced two sons: Jon and Ryan. His third, with Donna, bore him two daughters: Vina and Wilma. His fourth, while Elena, bore him no children although Elena has a daughter Jane, from a previous relationship. His last, with Fe, produced no biological children but they informally adopted without court proceedings, Sandy, now 13 years old, whom they consider as their own. Sandy, now 13 years old, whom they consider as their own. Sandy was orphaned as a baby and was entrusted to them by the midwife who attended to Sandy’s birth. All the children, including Amy, now live with Andrew in his house. Is there any legal obstacle to the legal adoption of Amy by Andrew? To the legal adoption of Sandy by Andrew and Elena? (2008 Bar Question)

A: No. Adopter cannot rescind but he may disinherit the adoptee. Q: What are the grounds by which an adopter may disinherit adoptee? A: 1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Groundless accusation against the testator of a crime punishable by 6 years or more imprisonment; Found guilty of attempt against the life of the testator, his/her spouse, descendant or ascendant; Causes the testator to make changes or changes a testator’s will through violence, intimidation, fraud or undue influence; Maltreatment of the testator by word or deed; Conviction of a crime which carries a penalty of civil interdiction; Adultery or concubinage with the testator’s wife; Refusal without justifiable cause to support the parent or ascendant; Leads a dishonorable or disgraceful life.

A: No, there is no legal obstacle to the legal adoption of Amy by Andrew. While a person of age may not be adopted, Amy falls within two exceptions: (1) she is an illegitimate child and she is being adopted by her illegitimate father to improve her status; and (2) even on the assumption that she is not an illegitimate child of Andrew, she may still be adopted, although of legal age, because she has been consistently considered and treated by the adopter as his own child since minority. In fact, she has been living with him until now.

Q: What are the effects of adoption? A: 1.

GR: Severance of all legal ties between the biological parents and the adoptee and the same shall then be vested on the adopters XPN: In cases where the biological parent is the spouse of the adopter;

2. 3. 4.

There is a legal obstacle to the adoption of Sandy by Andrew and Elena. Andrew and Elena cannot adopt jointly because they are not married.

Deemed a legitimate child of the adopter; Acquires reciprocal rights and obligations arising from parent-child relationship; Right to use surname of adopter; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Q: In his old age, can Andrew be legally entitled to claim support from Amy, Jon, Ryan, Vina, Wilma and Sandy assuming that all of them have the means to support him?

A: It depends. If Sonny and Sarah have been residing in the Philippines for at least 3 years prior to the effectivity of R.A. 8552, the petition may be granted. Otherwise, the petition cannot be granted because the American husband is not qualified to adopt.

A: Andrew can claim support from all of them, except from Sandy, who is not his child, legitimate, illegitimate or adopted.

While the petition for adoption was filed in 1990, it was considered refiled upon the effectivity of R.A. 8552. This is the law applicable, the petition being still pending with the lower court. Under the Act, Sarah and Sonny must adopt jointly because they do not fall in any of the exceptions where one of them may adopt alone. When husband and wife must adopt jointly, the Supreme Court has held in a line of cases that both of them must be qualified to adopt. While Sarah, an alien, is qualified to adopt, for being a former Filipino citizen who seeks to adopt a relative within th the 4 degree of consanguinity or affinity, Sonny, an alien, is not qualified to adopt because he is neither a former Filipino citizen nor married to a Filipino. One of them not being qualified to adopt, their petition has to be denied. However, if they have been residents of the Philippines 3 years prior to the effectivity of the Act and continues to reside here until the decree of adoption is entered, they are qualified to adopt the nephew of Sarah under Sec. 7(b) thereof, and the petition may be granted.

Q: Can Amy, Jon, Ryan, Vina, Wilma and Sandy legally claim support from each other? A: Amy, Jon, Ryan, Vina and Wilma can ask support from each other because they are half-blood brothers and sisters, and Vina and Wilma are full-blood sisters (Art. 195 [5], FC), but not Sandy who is not related to any of them. Q: Can Jon and Jane legally marry? A: Jon and Jane can legally marry because they are not related to each other. Jane is not a daughter of Andrew. INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION ACT OF 1995 (R.A. 8043) ADOPTER Q: Who may adopt? A: 1. 2.

ADOPTEE Q: Who may be adopted?

Any alien; Filipino citizen, both permanently residing abroad.

A: Only a legally free child may be adopted provided the following are submitted: 1. Child study; 2. Birth certificate/ foundling certificate; 3. Deed of Voluntary Commitment/Decree of Abandonment/Death Certificate of parents; 4. Medical evaluation or history; 5. Psychological evaluation; 6. Recent photo;

Q: What are the qualifications needed for a Filipino or alien to adopt? A: 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8.

9.

At least 27 years old and 16 years older than the child to be adopted at the time of the application unless adopter is the parent by nature of the child; If married, his spouse must jointly file for adoption; Has the capacity to act or assume all rights and responsibilities of parental authority; Not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; Eligible to adopt under his national law; In a position to provide for proper care and support and give necessary moral values; Agrees to uphold the basic rights of the child mandated by the UN convention of rights of Child and the Philippine Laws; Comes from a country with which the Philippines has diplomatic relations and adoption is allowed under his national law; Possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under the law or other applicable Philippine laws.

Q: What is the definition of “child”? A: A child is any person below 15 years old. Note: No child shall be matched to a foreign adoptive family unless it is satisfactorily shown that the child cannot be adopted in the Philippines. GR: There shall be no physical transfer of a voluntarily committed child earlier than 6 months from the date of execution of Deed of Voluntary Commitment. XPN: 1. Adoption by relative; 2. Child with special medical condition. INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION BOARD

Q: Sometime in 1990, Sarah, born a Filipino but by then a naturalized American citizen, and her American husband Sonny Cruz, filed a petition in the Regional Trial Court of Makati, for the adoption of the minor child of her sister, a Filipina, can the petition be granted? (2000 Bar Question)

Q: What is the function of Inter-Country Adoption Board? A: The Inter-Country Adoption Board acts as the central authority in matters relating to inter-country adoption. The

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CIVIL LAW Board shall ensure that all the possibilities for adoption of the child under the Family Code have been exhausted and that the inter-country adoption is in the best interest of the child

Q: What are the rules on the amount of support? A: Amount of support shall be in proportion to the resources or means of the giver and to the necessities of the recipient. It shall be increased or reduced proportionately, according to the increase/reduction of necessities of the recipient and the resources of the person obliged.

Q: What is trial custody? A: It is the pre-adoptive relationship which ranges 6 months from the time of the placement. It starts from the actual transfer of the child to the applicant who, as actual custodian, shall exercise substitute parental authority over the person of the child

Q: What are the different kinds of support? A: 1. 2.

Note: 1. If unsatisfactory – the relationship shall be suspended by the board and the foreign adoption agency shall arrange for the child’s voluntary care. 2. If satisfactory – the Board shall submit the written consent of the adoption to the foreign adoption agency within 30 days after the request of the latter’s request.

3.

Q: What are the rules on support of illegitimate children of either spouse?

SUPPORT

A: It depends upon the property regime of the spouses. 1. ACP: a. Exclusive property of the debtor spouse shall be liable.

Q: What is support? A: It comprises everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance and transportation, in keeping with the financial capacity of the family, including the education of the person entitled to be supported until he completes his education or training for some

b.

If the exclusive property is insufficient, the community is liable.

Note: The same being considered as advance made by the absolute community to said spouse.

2.

profession, trade or vocation, even beyond the age of majority. (Art. 194, FC) Q: What are the characteristics of support? A: PRIM PEN 1. Personal 2. Reciprocal on the part of those who are by law bound to support each other 3. Intransmissible 4. Mandatory 5. Provisional character of support judgment 6. Exempt from attachment or execution 7. Not subject to waiver or compensation

CPG: a. Property of the debtor-spouse is liable. b. If the debtor spouse has no property or the same is insufficient, it may be enforced against the conjugal property. WHO ARE OBLIGED

Q: Who are persons obliged to support each other? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

WHAT IT COMPRISES

5.

Q: What comprises support? A: Support comprises of everything indispensable for: SDC MET 1. Sustenance 2. Dwelling 3. Clothing 4. Medical attendance 5. Education – includes schooling or training for some profession, trade or vocation, even beyond the age of majority 6. Transportation – includes expenses going to and from school, or to from place of work UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Legal – required or given by law; Judicial – required by court;May be: a. Pendente lite b. In a final judgment Conventional – by agreement.

Spouses; Legitimate ascendants & descendants; Parents and their legitimate children, and the legitimate and illegitimate children of the latter; Parents and their illegitimate children, and the legitimate and illegitimate children of the latter; Legitimate brothers and sisters whether full or halfblood. (Art. 195, FC)

Q: Are brothers and sisters not legitimately related likewise bound to support each other? A: GR: Yes, whether full or half-blood. XPN: When the need for support of the brother or sister, being of age, is due to a cause imputable to the claimant’s fault or negligence. In this case, the illegitimate brother or sister has no right to be supported.

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS Q: What are the sources of support?

no means to support them, then Francisco, as the girls’ grandfather, should then extend the support needed by them.

A: SOURCES OF SUPPORT During Marriage

From the community property

Pending Litigation Spouses ACP GR: From the community property assets XPN: If Art. 203 applies, that if the claimant spouse is the guilty spouse, he/she is not entitled to support. CPG Support is considered an advance of such spouses’ share. Note: The rule does not apply if the spouses are under ACP based on Art. 153.

Note: The second option in Art. 204 of the FC, that of taking in the family dwelling the recipient, is unavailing in this case since the filing of the case has evidently made the relations among the parties bitter and unpleasant (Mangonon, et al. v. CA, et al., G.R. No. 125041, Jun. 30, 2006).

After Litigation

GR: obligation support

Q: Marcelo and Juana called Dr. Arturo to their house to render medical assistance to their daughter-in-law who was about to give birth to a child. He performed the necessary operation. When Dr. Arturo sought payment, Marcelo and Juana refused to pay him without giving any good reason. Who is bound to pay the bill for the services rendered by Arturo?

No to

XPN: If there is Legal Separation. In which case, the court may require the guilty spouse to give support

A: Her husband, not her father and mother- in-law. The rendering of medical assistance in case of illness is comprised among the mutual obligations to which the spouses are bound by way of mutual support (Arts. 142 and 143). If every obligation consists in giving, doing or not doing something (Art. 1088), and spouses are mutually bound to support each other, there can be no question but that, when either of them by reason of illness should be in need of medical assistance, the other is under the unavoidable obligation to furnish the necessary services of a physician in order that health may be restored, and he or she may be freed from the sickness by which life is jeopardized.

Children From the community property

From the community property

From the separate properties of the spouses

Q: Cheryl married Edward Lim they have three children. Cheryl, Edward and their children lived at the house of Edward’s parents, Prudencio and Filomena, together with Edward’s ailing grandmother and her husband. Edward was employed with the family business, which provided him with a monthly salary of P6,000 and shouldered the family expenses. Cheryl had no steady source of income. Cheryl caught Edward in “a very compromising situation” with the midwife of Edward’s

Q: To whom does the liability to support devolve upon? A: In the following order: S-DAB 1. Spouse 2. Descendants in the nearest degree 3. Ascendants in the nearest degree 4. Brothers and sisters Q: Belen, in behalf of her minor children, instituted a petition for declaration of legitimacy and support against Federico, their alleged father, and Francisco, father of Federico. It appears that the marriage of the two was annulled due to the minority of Federico. May Francisco be ordered to give support?

grandmother. After a violent confrontation with Edward, Cheryl left the Forbes Park residence. She subsequently sued, for herself and her children, Edward, Edward’s parents and grandparents for support. Edward and his parents were ordered by the RTC to “jointly” provide, monthly support to Cheryl and her children. Is the court’s judgment in making Edward’s parents concurrently liable with Edward to provide support to Cheryl and her children correct?

A: Yes. There appears to be no dispute that the children are indeed the daughters of Federico by Belen. Under Art. 199 of the FC, “Whenever two or more persons are obliged to give support, the liability shall devolve upon the following persons in the following order herein provided: 1. The spouse; 2. The descendants in the nearest degree; 3. The ascendants in the nearest degree: and 4. The brothers and sisters.

A: Yes. However, the Supreme Court modified the appealed judgment by limiting liability of Edward’s parents to the amount of monthly support needed by Cheryl’s children. Edward’s parents are liable to provide support but only to their grandchildren. By statutory and jurisprudential mandate, the liability of ascendants to provide legal support to their descendants is beyond cavil. Petitioners themselves admit as much — they limit their petition to the narrow question of when their liability is triggered, not if they are liable.

The obligation to give support rests principally on those more closely related to the recipient. However, the more remote relatives may be held to shoulder the responsibility should the claimant prove that those who are called upon to provide support do not have the means to do so. Here, since it has been shown that the girls' father, Federico, had

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CIVIL LAW There is no showing that private respondent is without means to support his son; neither is there any evidence to prove that petitioner, as the paternal grandmother, was willing to voluntarily provide for her grandson's legal support. Cheryl is unable to discharge her obligation to provide sufficient legal support to her children. It also shows that Edward is unable to support his children. This inability of Edward and Cheryl to sufficiently provide for their children shifts a portion of their obligation to the ascendants in the nearest degree, both in the paternal (petitioners) and maternal lines, following the ordering in Article 199. (Spouses Lim v. Cheryl Lim, G.R. No. 163209, October 30, 2009)

AMOUNT Q: What is the amount of support? A: Amount shall be in proportion to the resources or means of the giver and to the necessities of the recipient. (Art. 201, FC) Q: May the amount of support be reduced or increased? A: Yes. Support may be decreased or increased proportionately according to the reduction or increase of the necessities of the recipient and the resources of the person obliged to furnish the same. (Art. 202, FC)

SUPPORT DURING MARRIAGE LITIGATION WHEN DEMANDABLE Q: What is the source of support during the pendency of legal separation, annulment and declaration of nullity of marriage proceedings?

Q: When is the obligation to give support demandable? A: From the time the person who has a right to receive support needs it for maintenance.

A: The spouses and their common children shall be supported from the properties of the absolute community or the conjugal partnership.

Q: When shall support be paid?

Q: Are the spouses still obliged to render mutual support after final judgment granting the petition?

A: Only from the date of judicial or extrajudicial demand. Note: The right to support does not arise from mere fact of relationship but from imperative necessity without which it cannot be demanded. The law presumes that such necessity does not exist unless support is demanded.

A: GR: No. The obligation of mutual support ceases after final judgment. XPN: In case of legal separation the Court may order that the guilty spouse shall give support to the innocent one.

OPTIONS Q: What are the options given to persons giving support?

Q: H and W are living separately. Both had been unfaithful to each other. After their separation, H had been giving money to W for her support. Subsequently, W brought an action against H for separate maintenance. Will the action prosper?

A: 1. 2.

A: Yes. The principle of in pari delicto is applicable. Both are at fault. Consequently, H cannot avail of himself of the defense of adultery of W. Besides, the act of H in giving money to W is implied condonation of the adultery of W (Amacen v. Baltazar, L-10028, May 28, 1958).

Q: What if support is given by a stranger without the knowledge of the person obliged to give support? A: GR: The stranger shall have the right of reimbursement. XPN: Unless it appears that he gave it without any intention of being reimbursed. (Art. 206, FC)

Q: May the woman oblige her husband to pay the attorney’s fee for the lawyer who defended her in a criminal action for adultery instituted against her by the husband?

Q: What if the person obliged to give support unjustly refuses or fails to give support when urgently needed?

A: It depends.

A: Any third person may furnish support to the needy individual, with a right of reimbursement. (Art. 207, FC)

She may, in case of acquittal. Expenses such as judicial costs and attorney’s fees incurred by the wife to defend herself against unjust prosecution are chargeable as support against the husband. However, the rule is different in case of conviction. Adultery on the part of the wife, when proved, is a valid defense against an action for support (Quinatana v. Lerma, G.R. No. L-7426, February 5, 1913).


To Give a fixed monthly allowance; or To Receive and maintain the recipient in the giver’s home or family dwelling. (Art. 204, FC)

ATTACHMENT Q: Is the right to receive support subject to attachment or execution? A: GR: No. The right to receive support and any money or property obtained as support cannot be attached nor be subject to execution to satisfy any judgment against the recipient.

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS latter, any third person may furnish support to the needy individual, with right of reimbursement from the person obliged to give support." The resulting juridical relationship between the Edward and Noel is a quasi-contract, an equitable principle enjoining one from unjustly enriching himself at the expense of another (Lacson v. Lacson, et al., GR No. 150644, August 28, 2006).

XPN: In case of contractual support or support given by will, the excess in amount beyond that required for legal support shall be subject to levy on attachment or execution. Note: Contractual support shall be subject to adjustment whenever modification is necessary due to changes in circumstances beyond the contemplation of the parties

Q: Fe and her son Martin sued Martin’s alleged biological father Arnel for support. Arnel denied having sired Martin arguing that his affair and intimacy with Fe had allegedly ended in long before Martin’s conception. As a result, Fe and Martin moved for the issuance of an order directing all the parties to submit themselves to DNA paternity testing. The said motion was granted by the court. Did the order of the court convert the complaint for support to a petition for recognition?

Q: Jurisdictional questions may be raised at any time. What is the exception with respect to the provisional character of judgment for support and the application of estoppel? A: Judgment for support is always provisional in character. Res Judicata does not apply. The lower court cannot grant a petition based on grounds, such as bigamy, not alleged in the petition. Such a decision based on grounds not alleged in the petition is void on the ground of no jurisdiction.

A: The assailed order did not convert the action for support into one for recognition but merely allowed Fe to prove their cause of action. But even if the order effectively integrated an action to compel recognition with an action for support, such was valid and in accordance with jurisprudence. In Tayag v. Court of Appeals (209 SCRA 665), the Supreme Court allowed the integration of an action to compel recognition with an action to claim one's inheritance. A separate action will only result in a multiplicity of suits. Furthermore, the declaration of filiation is entirely appropriate to the action for support (Agustin v. CA, G.R. No. 162571, June 15, 2005).

However, if the lower court’s void decision is not assailed on appeal which dealt only with the matter of support, the losing party is now estopped from questioning the declaration of nullity and the SC will not undo the judgment of the RTC declaring the marriage null and void for being bigamous. It is axiomatic that while a jurisdictional question may be raised at any time, this however admits of an exception where estoppel has supervened (Lam v. Chua, G.R. No. 131286, March 18, 2004).

Q: Can DNA testing be ordered in a proceeding for support without violating the constitutional right against selfincrimination?

Q: Edward abandoned his legitimate children when they were minors. After 19 years from the time Edward left them, they, through their mother, finally sued him for support, which the court granted. The court ordered him to pay 2M pesos as support in arrears.

A: Yes. In People v. Yatar (428 SCRA 504), the Supreme Court had already upheld the constitutionality of compulsory DNA testing and the admissibility of the results thereof as evidence. Moreover, it has mostly been in the areas of legality of searches and seizure and in the infringement of privacy of communication where the constitutional right to privacy has been critically at issue.

Edward assails the grant of the support in arrears as erroneous since under Art. 203 of the FC, there was never any demand for support, judicial or extra-judicial, from them. Rule on his contention.

If, in a criminal case, an accused whose very life is at stake can be compelled to submit to DNA testing, so much more so may a party in a civil case, who does not face such dire consequences, be likewise compelled. DNA testing and its results is now acceptable as object evidence without running afoul self-incrimination rights of a person (Agustin v. CA, GR No. 162571, June 15, 2005).

A: No. Edward could not possibly expect his daughters to demand support from him considering their tender years at the time that he abandoned them. In any event, the mother of the girls had made the requisite demand for material support although this was not in the standard form of a formal written demand. Asking one to give support owing to the urgency of the situation is no less a demand just because it came by way of a request or a plea (Lacson v. Lacson, et al., G.R. No. 150644, August 28, 2006).

PARENTAL AUTHORITY GENERAL PROVISIONS

Q: Noel helped Lea by extending financial help to support Lea’s children with Edward. May Noel seek reimbursement of his contributions? If yes, from whom may he do so?

Q: What is patria potestas? A: The sum total of the rights of parents over the persons and property of their unemancipated child.

A: Yes. Pursuant to Art. 207 of the FC, Noel can rightfully exact reimbursement from Edward. This provision reads that "[W]hen the person obliged to support another unjustly refuses or fails to give support when urgently needed by the

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CIVIL LAW Q: What does parental authority include?

XPN: If the fears and apprehensions were unfounded as to the father’s corrupting influence over the children and if it is proven therefore that indeed the father is a negative influence because of reasons like immorality, drunkenness, etc. on the children, the court, taking into consideration the best interest of the children, can deny his petition for the exercise of his visitation rights (Silva v. CA, G.R. No. 114742, July 17, 1997).

A: It shall include: 1. Caring for and rearing of such children for civic consciousness and efficiency; 2. Development of their moral, mental and physical character and well-being. Q: What are the characteristics of parental authority? A: Jo-Na-RePuTe 1. Jointly exercised by the father and mother; 2. Natural right and duty of the parents; 3. Cannot be Renounced, transferred or waived;

Q: What is meant by the parental preference rule? A: The natural parents, who are of good character and who can reasonably provide for the child are ordinarily entitled to custody as against all persons.

XPN: In cases authorized by law such as in cases of adoption, guardianship and surrender to a children's home or an orphan institution (Santos v. CA, G.R. No. 113054, March 16, 1995). 4.

Q: Who shall exercise parental authority in case of absence, death, remarriage of either parent or legal or de facto separation of parents?

Purely personal;

A: 1.

Note: It cannot be exercised through agents. 2. 5.

Temporary.

Q: What are the rules as to the exercise of parental authority? A: 1.

3.

The father and the mother shall jointly exercise parental authority over the persons of their common children.

Q: What shall the Court take into account in the designation of the parent? A: All relevant considerations, especially the choice of the child over seven years of age except when the parent chosen is unfit.

Note: In case of disagreement, the father’s decision shall prevail unless there is a judicial order to the contrary.

2.

Absence or death of either parent – parent present shall continue exercising parental authority Remarriage of either parent – it shall not affect the parental authority over the children, unless the court appoints another person to be the guardian of the person or property of the children. (Art. 213, FC) Legal or de facto separation of parents – the parent designated by the court.

If the child is illegitimate, parental authority is with the mother.

Note: The relevant Philippine law on child custody for spouses separated in fact or in law (under the second paragraph of Art. 213 of the FC) is also undisputed: “no child under seven years of age shall be separated from the mother x x x.” (This statutory awarding of sole parental custody to the mother is mandatory, grounded on sound policy consideration, subject only to a narrow exception not alleged to obtain here.) Clearly then, the Agreement’s object to establish a post-divorce joint custody regime between respondent and petitioner over their child under seven years old contravenes Philippine law. The Philippine courts do not have the authority to enforce an agreement that is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order, or public policy (Dacasin v. Dacasin, G.R. No. 168785, February 5, 2010).

Q: What is “visitation rights”? A: It is the right of access of a noncustodial parent to his or her child or children. Q: Carlitos Silva and Suzanne Gonzales had a live-in relationship. They had two children, namely, Ramon Carlos and Rica Natalia. Silva and Gonzales eventually separated. They had an understanding that Silva would have the children in his company on weekends. Silva claimed that Gonzales broke that understanding on visitation rights. Hence, Silva filed a petition for custodial rights over the children before the RTC. The petition was opposed by Gonzales who claimed that Silva often engaged in gambling and womanizing which she feared could affect the moral and social values of the children. In the meantime, Suzanne had gotten married to a Dutch national. She eventually immigrated to Holland with her children Ramon Carlos and Rica Natalia. Can Silva be denied visitation rights?

Q: What is the rule as to the custody of a child below 7 years of age? A: GR: No child below 7 years of age shall be separated from the mother. XPN: When the court finds compelling reasons to consider otherwise Note: The paramount consideration in matters of custody of a child is the welfare and well-being of the child

A: GR: No.

The use of the word “shall” in Art. 213 of the FC is mandatory in character. It prohibits in no uncertain terms the separation of a


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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS mother and her child below 7 years, unless such separation is grounded upon compelling reasons as determined by a court (Lacson v. San Jose-Lacson, G.R. No. L-23482, August 30, 1968).

Q: Bonifacia Vancil, a US citizen, is the mother of Reeder C. Vancil, a Navy serviceman of USA who died in the said country on December 22, 1986. During his lifetime, Reeder had two children named Valerie and Vincent by his common-law wife, Helen G. Belmes. Bonifacia obtained a favorable court decision appointing her as legal and judicial guardian over the persons and estate of Valerie Vancil and Vincent Vancil, Jr. She alleged that Helen was morally unfit as guardian of Valerie considering that Helen’s live-in partner raped Valerie several times. Can Bonifacia exercise substitute parental authority over Valerie and Vincent?

Q: If the parents are separated de facto, who between them has custody over their child/children? A: In the absence of a judicial grant of custody to one parent, both are entitled to the custody of their child/children. The parent who has been deprived of the rightful custody of the child may resort to the remedy of habeas corpus (Salientes v. Abanilla, G.R. No. 162734, August 29, 2006).

A: Bonifacia, as the surviving grandparent, can exercise substitute parental authority only in case of death, absence or unsuitability of Helen. Considering that Helen is very much alive and has exercised continuously parental authority over Vincent, Bonifacia has to prove, in asserting her right to be the minor’s guardian, Helen’s unsuitability. Bonifacia, however, has not proffered convincing evidence showing that Helen is not suited to be the guardian of Vincent. Bonifacia merely insists that Helen is morally unfit as guardian of Valerie considering that her live-in partner raped Valerie several times. (But Valerie, being now of major age, is no longer a subject of this guardianship proceeding.)

Q: The petition for declaration of nullity filed by Crisanto against his wife included a prayer for custody pendente lite of their 4-year old son. The supplication for custody was based on the alleged immorality of the mother who, the husband asserted, was a lesbian. However, the trial court citing Art. 213 of the FC, denied Crisanto's prayer for temporary custody of his son, there having been no compelling reason to so order it. Was the trial court correct in denying Crisanto’s prayer for temporary custody? A: Yes. The petitioner failed to overcome the so-called "tender-age presumption" rule under Art. 213 of the FC. There was no compelling evidence of the mother's unfitness. Sexual preference or moral laxity alone does not prove parental neglect or incompetence – to deprive the wife of custody, the husband must clearly establish that her moral lapses have had an adverse effect on the welfare of the child or have distracted the errant spouse from exercising proper parental care.

Even assuming that Helen is unfit as guardian of minor Vincent, still Bonifacia cannot qualify as a substitute guardian. She is an American citizen and a resident of Colorado. Obviously, she will not be able to perform the responsibilities and obligations required of a guardian. In fact, in her petition, Bonifacia admitted the difficulty of discharging the duties of a guardian by an expatriate, like her. To be sure, she will merely delegate those duties to someone else who may not also qualify as a guardian (Vancil v. Belmes, G.R. No. 132223, June 19, 2001).

Note: The general rule that children less than 7 years of age shall not be separated from the mother finds its raison d'etre in the basic need of minor children for their mother's loving care. This is predicated on the "best interest of the child" principle which pervades not only child custody cases but also those involving adoption, guardianship, support, personal status and minors in conflict with the law (Pablo-Gualberto v. Gualberto, G.R. No. 154994/G.R. No. 156254, Jun. 28, 2005).

EFFECTS OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY UPON THE PERSON OF THE CHILDREN Q: What are the rules regarding the right to custody over the child?

SUBSTITUTE AND SPECIAL PARENTAL AUTHORITY

A: GR: Parents are never deprived of the custody and care of their children.

Q: What is the order of substitute parental authority?

XPNS: 1. For cause

A: GOC 1. Surviving Grandparent;

Note: the law presumes that the child’s welfare will be best served in the care and control of his parents.

Note: The law considers the natural love of a parent to outweigh that of the grandparents, such that only when the parent present is shown to be unfit or unsuitable may the grandparents exercise substitute parental authority (Santos v. CA, G.R. No. 113054, March 16, 1995).

2.

2.

Oldest brother or sister, over 21 years;

Q: What is the basis for the duty to provide support?

XPN: unfit or disqualified 3.

If in consideration of the child’s welfare or wellbeing, custody may be given even to a nonrelative.

A: Family ties or relationship, not parental authority.

Actual Custodian over 21 year;

Note: The obligation of the parents to provide support is not coterminous with the exercise of parental authority.

XPN: unfit or disqualified (Art. 216, FC)

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CIVIL LAW Q: What are the distinctions between substitute parental authority and special parental authority?

Q: What is the rule on the parent’s duty of representation?

A: A: GR: Parents are duty-bound to represent their unemancipated children in all matters affecting their interests;

SUBSTITUTE PARENTAL AUTHORITY Exercised in case of: DAU

Note: This duty extends to representation in court litigations.

1. 2. 3.

XPN: A guardian ad litem may be appointed by the court to represent the child when the best interest of the child so requires. Q: What is the scope of the parent’s right to discipline the child? A: Persons exercising parental authority may: 1. Impose discipline on minor children as may be required under the circumstances. 2.

Q: What is the liability of persons exercising special parental authority over the child?

Petition the court for the imposition of appropriate disciplinary measures upon the child, which include the commitment of the child in entities or institutions engaged in child care or in children’s homes duly accredited by the proper government agency.

A: They are principally and solidarily liable for damages caused by the acts or omissions of the child while under their supervision, instruction or custody. Note: Parents, judicial guardians or those exercising substitute parental authority over the minor are subsidiarily liable for said acts and omissions of the minor.

Note: Such commitment must not exceed 30 days.

Q: What are the limitations on the exercise of the right to discipline the child and what are its consequences?

Q: While Jayson and his classmates were conducting a science experiment about fusion of sulphur powder and iron fillings under the tutelage of Tabugo, the subject teacher and employee of St. Joseph College. Tabugo left her class while it was doing the experiment without having adequately secured it from any untoward incident or occurrence. In the middle of the experiment, Jayson checked the result of the experiment by looking into the test tube with magnifying glass and it was moved towards his eyes. At that instance, the compound in the test tube spurted out and several particles of which hit his eyes and his left eye was chemically burned for which he had to undergo surgery and had to spend for his medication. Hence, Jayson was constrained to file the complaint for damages against the school and Tabugo. Can the said school and its teacher, Tabugo, be held liable for the unfortunate incident of Jayson?

A: Persons exercising such right is not allowed to: 1. Treat the child with excessive harshness or cruelty; or 2. Inflict corporal punishment. Otherwise, the following are its consequences: 1. Parental authority may be suspended; 2. Parent concerned may be held criminally liable for violation of RA 7160 (Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) Q: To whom may special parental authority be granted? A: 1. 2.

School, its administrators and teachers; Individual entity or institution engaged in child care.


Death, Absence, or Unsuitability of parents.

SPECIAL PARENTAL AUTHORITY 1. Exercised concurrently with the parental authority of the parents; 2. Rests on the theory that while the child is in the custody of the person exercising special parental authority, the parents temporarily relinquish parental authority over the child to the latter.

A: Yes. The proximate cause of the student’s injury was the concurrent failure of petitioners to prevent the foreseeable mishap that occurred during the conduct of the science experiment. Petitioners were negligent by failing to exercise the higher degree of care, caution and foresight incumbent upon the school, its administrators and teachers. Art. 218 of the FC, in relation to Art. 2180 of the NCC, bestows special parental authority on a school, its administrators and teachers, or the individual, entity or institution engaged in child care, and these persons have responsibility over the minor child while under their supervision, instruction or custody. Authority and responsibility shall apply to all authorized activities whether

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS inside or outside the premises of the school, entity or institution.

Q: What are the rules regarding the use of the child’s property?

In this case, the petitioners’ negligence and failure to exercise the requisite degree of care and caution was demonstrated by the following: (i) petitioner school did not take affirmative steps to avert damage and injury to its students although it had full information on the nature of dangerous science experiments conducted by the students during class; (ii) petitioner school did not install safety measures to protect the students who conduct experiments in class; (iii) petitioner school did not provide protective gears and devices, specifically goggles, to shield students from expected risks and dangers; and (iv) petitioner Tabugo (the teacher) was not inside the classroom the whole time her class conducted the experiment, specifically, when the accident involving the student occurred (St. Joseph’s College v. Miranda, G.R. No. 182353, June 29, 2010).

A: 1. The property of minor children shall be devoted to their support and education unless the title or transfer provides otherwise. 2. The parents have the right to use only the fruits and income of said property for the following purposes: a. Primarily, to the child’s support; b. Secondarily, to the collective daily needs of the family. Q: What is the rule on lease of property belonging to minor children? A: GR: The parents, as legal guardians of the minor’s property, may validly lease the same, even without court authorization, because lease has been considered as an act of administration.

EFFECTS OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY UPON THE PROPERTY OF THE CHILDREN

XPNs: Court authorization is required if: 1. If the lease will be recorded in the Registry of Property; 2. If the lease is for a period of more than one year, because this is already deemed an act of dominion.

Q: Who exercises legal guardianship over the property of an unemancipated child? A: The father and the mother, jointly, without need of court appointment. Note: In case of disagreement, the father’s decision shall prevail unless there is a judicial order to the contrary.

SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY Q: When is parental authority terminated?

Q: When is a parent required to post a bond?

A: 1.

A: If the market value of the property or the annual income of the child exceeds Php 50,000. Note: The bond shall not be less than 10% of the value of the property or annual income. (Art. 225, FC)

2.

Q: What are the kinds of properties of a minor? Distinguish. A: ADVENTITIOUS 1.

2. 3.

4.

Earned or acquired by the child through his work or industry by onerous or gratuitous title; Owned by the child; Child is also the usufructuary, but the child’s use of the property shall be secondary to all collective daily needs of the family; Administered by the parents.

PROSFECTITIOUS

1.

2. 3. 4.

Permanent: DED a. Death of parents; b. Emancipation of the child; c. Death of child. Temporary: AGA FIA – it may be revived a. Adoption of the child; b. Appointment of general Guardian; c. Judicial declaration of Abandonment; d. Final judgment divesting parents of PA; e. Incapacity of parent exercising PA; f. Judicial declaration of Absence.

Q: What are the grounds for suspension of PA?

Property given by the parents to the child for the latter to administer; Owned by the parents; Parents are usufructuary; Property administered by the child.

A: CHAIN B 1. Gives Corrupting orders, counsel and example; 2. Treats child with excessive Harshness and cruelty; 3. Subjects/allows child be subjected to Acts of lasciviousness; 4. Conviction of crime with penalty of civil Interdiction ; 5. Culpable Negligence of parent or person exercising PA; 6. Compels child to Beg. Note: If the person exercising PA has subjected the child or allowed him to be subjected to sexual abuse, he/she shall be permanently deprived of PA.

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CIVIL LAW Q: When may the suspension be revoked and parental authority revived?

4.

A: There must be a case filed for the purpose or in the same proceeding if the court finds that the cause therefore had ceased and will not be repeated.

SUMMARY JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY LAW CASES

GR: Parental authority and responsibility are inalienable and may not be transferred and renounced.

Q: What are the matters subject to summary proceedings? A: 1.

XPN: In case authorized by law.

Petition for judicial authority to administer or encumber specific separate property of the abandoning spouse. 2. Petition for an order providing for disciplinary measures over a child. 3. Petition for approval of bond of parents who exercise parental authority over the property of their children. 4. Judicial declaration of presumptive death. 5. Action of a child for delivery of presumptive legitime 6. Judicial determination of family domicile in case of disagreement between the spouses 7. Objection of one spouse as to the profession of the other. 8. Action entrusting parental authority over foundlings, abandoned, neglected or abused children to heads of institutions. 9. Annulment by wife of the husband's decision in the administration and enjoyment of community or conjugal property. 10. Appointment of one of the spouses as sole administrator but only when the other spouse is absent, or separated in fact, or has abandoned the other or the consent is withheld (Uy v. CA, G.R. No. 109557, November 29, 2000 ).

Note: Parents may exercise authority over their children’s property.

Q: Under the Child Abuse Law (R.A. 7610), when will parental authority over the minor? A: When an ascendant, stepparent or guardian of the minor, induces, delivers or offers him to any person who would keep or have in his company such minor, twelve (12) years or under or who in ten (10) years or more his junior, in any public or private place, hotel, motel, beer joint, discotheque, cabaret, pension house, sauna or massage parlor, beach and/or other tourist resort or similar places. Q: What is corporal punishment? A: It is the infliction of physical disciplinary measures to a student. This is absolutely prohibited under the Family Code (Sta. Maria, Jr., Persons and Family Relations Law). Note: While a teacher is administratively liable or civilly liable in the event that he or she inflicts corporal punishment to a student, it has been held that where there was no criminal intent on the part of the teacher who angrily and repeatedly whipped a student resulting in slight physical injuries to the said student and where the purpose of the teacher was to discipline a student, the said teacher cannot be held feloniously liable for the criminal offense of slight physical injuries (Bagajo v. Marave, G.R. No. L-33345, November 20, 1978, also cited by Sta. Maria, Jr., Persons and Family Relations Law).

Q: How shall matters subject to summary proceedings be decided? A: All cases requiring summary court proceedings shall be decided in an expeditious manner, without regard to technical rules.

EMANCIPATION

Q: W filed a petition with the RTC under the rules on Summary Judicial Proceedings in the Family Law provided for in the FC, for the declaration of the presumptive death of her absent spouse, H, based on the provisions of Art. 41 of the FC, for purposes of remarriage. After trial, the RTC rendered a decision declaring the presumptive death of H. The Republic received a copy of the decision on November 14, 2001. Subsequently, the Republic filed a Notice of Appeal on November 22, 2001. The RTC held that the appeal was filed within the reglementary period and thus, elevated the records to the Court of Appeals. However, the Court of Appeals denied the Republic’s appeal and accordingly affirmed the appealed RTC decision. Did the Court of Appeals acquire jurisdiction over the appeal on a final and executory judgment of the RTC?

Q: What is emancipation? A: It is the release of a person from parental authority whereby he becomes capacitated for civil life. Q: How does emancipation take place? A: By attainment of majority at the age of (18) eighteen years. Q: What are the effects of emancipation? A: 1. 2. 3.

Parental authority over the person and property of the child is terminated Child shall be qualified and responsible for all acts of civil life, save exceptions established by existing laws. Contracting marriage shall require parental consent until the age of 21.


The responsibility of parents or guardians for children and wards below 21 under the second and third paragraphs of Art. 2180 of the NCC shall not be derogated.

A: No. In Summary Judicial Proceedings under the Family Code, there is no reglementary period within which to perfect an appeal, precisely because judgments rendered thereunder, by express provision of Art. 247 of the FC, are “immediately final and executory”. An appellate court

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS acquires no jurisdiction to review a judgment which, by express provision of law, is immediately final and executory. The right to appeal is not a natural right nor is it a part of due process, for it is merely a statutory privilege. Since, by express mandate of Article 247 of the Family Code, all judgments rendered in summary judicial proceedings in Family Law are “immediately final and executory”, the right to appeal was not granted to any of the parties therein. The Republic, as oppositor in the petition for declaration of presumptive death, should not be treated differently. It had no right to appeal the RTC decision of November 7, 2001. The RTC's decision was immediately final and executory upon notice to the parties (Republic v. Bermudez-Lorino, G.R. No. 160258, January 19, 2005).

possession of status of illegitimate children of Jose who had an amorous relationship with their mother Luz Fabian until the time of the death of Jose. The court declared that Antonia Aruego is an illegitimate daughter of the deceased with Luz Fabian while Evelyn is not. Antonia and Evelyn contested the decision citing provisions of the Family Code particularly Art. 127 on Filiation, Art. 172 on illegitimate children’s filiation, and Art. 256 on the retroactivity of the code. Whether or not the provisions of the Family Code be applied retroactively and will it impair the vested rights of the respondents? A: The action for compulsory recognition and enforcement of successional rights which was filed prior to the advent of the FC, must be governed by Art. 285 of the NCC and not by Art. 175, par. 2 of the FC. The present law cannot be given retroactive effect insofar as the instant case is concerned, as its application will prejudice the vested right of private respondent to have her case decided under Art. 285 of the NCC. The right was vested to her by the fact that she filed her action under the regime of the NCC. Prescinding from this, the conclusion then ought to be that the action was not yet barred, notwithstanding the fact that it was brought when the putative father was already deceased, since private respondent was then still a minor when it was filed, an exception to the general rule provided under Art. 285 of the NCC. Hence, the trial court, which acquired jurisdiction over the case by the filing of the complaint, never lost jurisdiction over the same despite the passage of E.O. No. 209, also known as the Family Code of the Philippines (Aruego v. CA,G.R. No. 112193, March 13, 1996).

Note: However, an aggrieved party may file a petition for certiorari to question abuse of discretion amounting to lack of discretion. (Republic v. Tango, G.R. No. 161062, July 31, 2009)

RETROACTIVITY OF THE FAMILY CODE Q: What is the rule on the retroactivity of the Family Code? A: GR: The Code shall have retroactive effect. XPN: No retroactivity if it would prejudice vested rights. Q: What is a vested right? A: Some right or interest in property that has become fixed or established, and is no longer open to doubt or controversy. Rights are vested when the right to enjoyment, present or prospective, has become the property of some person as present interest.

Note: If an action for recognition was filed prior to the effectivity of the FC, Art. 173 of the FC cannot be given retroactive effect because it will prejudice the vested rights of petitioners transmitted to them at the time of the death of their father, Eutiquio Marquino. "Vested right" is a right in property which has become fixed and established and is no longer open to doubt or controversy. It expresses the concept of present fixed interest, which in right reason and natural justice should be protected against arbitrary State action (Marquino v. IAC, G.R. No. 72078, June 27, 1994).

Q: Is a decree of nullity of the first marriage required before a subsequent marriage can be entered into validly? A: GR: Under the Art. 40 of the FC, the absolute nullity of a previous marriage may be invoked for purposes of remarriage on the basis solely of a final judgment declaring such previous marriage void.

FUNERALS Q: What are the rules regarding funeral?

XPN: If the second marriage, however, took place prior to the effectivity of the FC, there is no need for judicial declaration of nullity of the first marriage pursuant to the prevailing jurisprudence at that time. (Rabuya, 2006, p. 265)

A: General Guidelines: 1. Duty and right to make arrangements in funerals in accordance with Art. 199, FC: a. Spouse, b. Descendants in the nearest degree, c. Ascendants in the nearest degree, d. Brothers and Sisters

Note: Art. 40 is applicable to remarriages entered into after the effectivity of the FC on August 3, 1988 regardless of the date of the first marriage. Besides, under Art. 256 of the FC, said Article is given "retroactive effect insofar as it does not prejudice or impair vested or acquired rights in accordance with the Civil Code or other laws" (Atienza v. Brillantes, A.M. No. MTJ-92-706, March 29, 1995).

Note: In case of descendants of the same degree, or of brothers and sisters, the oldest shall be preferred. In case of ascendants, the paternal shall have a better right.

2.

Q: Antonia Aruego and her sister Evelyn filed a petition in the courts seeking Jose Aruego, Jr. and his five children to recognize them as illegitimate children and compulsory heirs of Jose. They claim there is open and continuous

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Funeral shall be: a. in keeping with the social position of the deceased,


CIVIL LAW b.

3. 4.

5.

in accordance with the expressed wishes of the deceased, c. In absence of the expressed wishes, his religious beliefs or affiliation shall determine; Any person who disrespects the dead or allows the same shall be liable for damages; Funeral expenses are chargeable against the property of the deceased. However, if the deceased is one of the spouses, they are chargeable against the conjugal partnership property. (Art. 310, NCC) If the deceased is married, the tombstone or mausoleum is deemed part of the funeral expense and chargeable against the community property or conjugal partnership property.

show proper or reasonable cause, or any compelling reason which may justify such change. Otherwise, the request would be denied. (In Re: Petition for change of name and/or correction/cancellation of entry in civil registry of Julian Lin Carulasan Wang, G.R. No. 159966, March 30, 2005) Note: The touchstone for the grant of a change of name is that there be proper and reasonable cause for which the change is sought.

Q: Can a person change his registered first name and sex on the basis of a sex reassignment? A: No. Before a person can legally change his given name, he must present proper or reasonable cause or any compelling reason justifying such change. In addition, he must show that he will be prejudiced by the use of his true and official name. Under the Civil Register Law, a birth certificate is a historical record of the facts as they existed at the time of birth. Thus, the sex of a person is determined at birth, visually done by the birth attendant (the physician or midwife) by examining the genitals of the infant. Considering that there is no law legally recognizing sex reassignment, the determination of a person’s sex made at the time of his or her birth, if not attended by error, is immutable (Silverio v. Republic, G.R. No. 174689, October 22, 2007).

USE OF SURNAMES Q: What are the grounds for change of name which have been held valid? A: CLEARED 1. One has Continuously used and been known since childhood by a Filipino name and was unaware of alien parentage; 2. The change results as a Legal consequence, as in legitimation; 3. There is a sincere desire to adopt a Filipino name to Erase signs of former alienage, all in good faith and without prejudicing anyone; 4. The change will Avoid confusion; 5. The name is: a. Ridiculous, b. Extremely difficult to write or pronounce, c. Dishonorable.

Q: What are the procedural requirements for a petition for change of name? A: 1.

Q: The petition filed by the parents in behalf of their minor son Julian Lin Carulasan Wang sought the dropping of the latter's middle name, "Carulasan." The parents averred that their plan for Julian to study in Singapore and adjust to its culture necessitates the drop since in that country, middle names or the mother's surname are not carried in a person's name. They therefore anticipate that Julian may be subjected to discrimination on account of his middle name, which is difficult to pronounce in light of Singapore's Mandarin language which does not have the letter "R" but if there is, Singaporeans pronounce it as "L." Should the petition for the dropping of his middle name be granted?

2. 3.

Q: What is the Rule with regard to the use of surname by a child who is (1) legitimate, (2) legitimated, (3) adopted and (4) illegitimate? A: CHILD CONCERNED Legitimate Legitimated Adopted

A: No. Petitioners’ justification for seeking the change in the name of their child, that of convenience, was characterized by the Supreme Court as amorphous, to say the least, and would not warrant a favorable ruling. As Julian is only a minor and has yet to understand and appreciate the value of any change in his name, it is best that the matter be left to his judgment and discretion when he reaches legal age.

Illegitimate Conceived prior to annulment of marriage Conceived after annulment of marriage FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCE OF THE WIFE

The State has an interest in the names borne by individuals and entities for purposes of identification, and that a change of name is a privilege and not a right, such that before a person can be allowed to change the name given him either in his birth certificate or civil registry, he must UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

3 years residency in the province where the change is sought prior to the filing; Must not be filed within 30 days prior to an election; Petition must be verified.

Valid marriage (before husband dies) Art 370

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SURNAME TO BE USED Father’s Adopter’s Mother’s or Father’s if requisites of R.A. 9255 are complied with Father’s Mother’s

SURNAME TO BE USED 1. first name and maiden name + husband’s surname 2. first name + husband’s

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS In case of renewal of passport, a married woman may either adopt her husband’s surname or continuously use her maiden name. However, once she opted to use her husband’s surname in her original passport, she may not revert to the use of her maiden name, except if any of the four grounds provided under R.A. 8239 is present.

surname 3. husband’s full name + prefix indicating that she is his wife (e.g. Mrs.) 4. retain the use of her maiden name

Wife is the guilty party

Marriage is Annulled Art. 371

Wife is the innocent party

Unless: a. b.

Legally Separated Art. 372

Widowed Spouse Divorced (at least if they allow it later or for those who got divorced during the Japanese occupation)

Further, even assuming R.A. 8239 conflicts with the Civil Code, the provisions of R.A. 8239 which is a special law specifically dealing with passport issuance must prevail over the provisions of the Civil Code which is the general law on the use of surnames. A basic tenet in statutory construction is that a special law prevails over a general law. (Remo v. Sec. of Foreign Affairs, G.R. No. 169202, March 5, 2010)

*use of husband’s surname is not a duty but merely an option for the wife Shall resume using her maiden name Choices: 1. resume using her maiden name 2. continue using husband’s surname

Q: What are the elements of usurpation of name? A: AUD 1. 2. 3.

court decrees otherwise; she or the former husband is married again to another person

Actual use of another’s name by the defendant; Use is Unauthorized; Use of another’s name is to Designate personality or identify a person.

Q: What are the remedies available to the person whose name has been usurped? A: 1.

Wife shall continue using the name and surname employed by her prior to the legal separation. She may use the deceased’s husband’s surname as though he were still living. Art. 373

2.

Civil – insofar as private persons are concerned: a. Injunction b. Damages Criminal – when public affairs are prejudiced.

Q: Is the use of another’s name always actionable? A: No. It is not actionable when it is used as stage, screen or pen name.

Choices same as widowed spouse.

Provided: GIM 1. Use is in Good faith; 2. No Injury is caused to the rights of the person whose name was used; 3. Use is Motivated by: a. Modesty b. desire to avoid unnecessary trouble c. other reason not prohibited by law or morals.

Q: Virginia Remo, a Filipino citizen, is married to Francisco Rallonza. In her passport, the following entries appear: "Rallonza" as her surname, "Maria Virginia" as her given name, and "Remo" as her middle name. Prior to the expiration of her passport, Virginia applied for the renewal of her passport with the DFA, with a request to revert to her maiden name and surname in the replacement passport. Virginia, relying on Article 370 of the Civil Code, contends that the use of the husband’s surname by the wife is permissive rather than obligatory. Is Virginia correct?

MIDDLE NAME Note: A middle name has practical or legal significance as it serves to identify the maternal pedigree or filiation of a person and distinguishes him from others who may have the same given name and surname as he has. Art. 364 of the Civil Code states that legitimate and legitimated children shall principally use the surname of their father. Art. 174 of the Family Code gives legitimate children the right to bear the surnames of the father and mother, while illegitimate children, under Art. 176, as amended by R.A. 9255, shall use the surname of their mother, unless their father recognizes their filiation, in which case, they may bear the father's surname. In the case of these children, their registration in the civil registry requires that their middle names be indicated therein, apart of course from their given names and surnames. (In re: Petition for Change of Name and/or Correction of Entry in the Civil Registry of Julian Lin Carulasan Wang, 454 SCRA 155)

A: No. A married woman has an option, but not a duty, to use the surname of the husband in any of the ways provided by Art. 370 of the Civil Code. However, R.A. 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 limits the instances when a married woman applicant may exercise the option to revert to the use of her maiden name. These are death of husband, divorce, annulment, and declaration of nullity of marriage.

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CIVIL LAW under the law as the legitimate child of Aimee and her husband. This filiation may be impugned only by the husband. To correct the status of Gianna in her birth certificate from “legitimate child of Andy and Aimee” to “illegitimate child of Andy and Aimee” will amount to indirectly impugning her filiation as the child of Aimee’s husband in a proper action. What cannot be done directly cannot be done indirectly.

Q: Honorato filed a petition to adopt his minor illegitimate child Stephanie. Stephanie has been using her mother's middle name and surname. He prayed that Stephanie's middle name be changed from "Astorga" to "Garcia," which is her mother's surname and that her surname "Garcia" be changed to "Catindig," which is his surname. This the trial court denied. Was the trial court correct in denying Honorato’s request for Stephanie’s use of her mother’s surname as her middle name?

b.

A: A judicial action to change the surname of Gianna from the surname of Andy to the maiden surname of Aimee is also not allowed. Gianna, being presumed to be the legitimate child of Aimee’s husband is required by law to be registered under the surname of Aimee’s husband. While it is true that Gianna’s registered surname is erroneous, a judicial action for correction of entry to change the surname of Gianna to that of Aimee’s maiden surname will also be erroneous. A judicial action to correct an entry in the birth certificate is allowed to correct an error and not to commit another error.

A: No. The name of an individual has two parts – the given name or proper name and the surname or family name. The given name may be freely selected by the parents for the child, but the surname to which the child is entitled is fixed by law. The Civil Code (Arts. 364 to 380) is silent as to the use of a middle name. Even Art. 176 of the FC, as amended by R.A. 9255 (An Act Allowing Illegitimate Children to Use the Surname of Their Father) is silent as to what middle name a child may use. An adopted child is entitled to all the rights provided by law to a legitimate child without discrimination of any kind, including the right to bear the surname of her father and her mother. As she had become a legitimate child on account of her adoption, it follows that Stephanie is entitled to utilize the surname of her father, Honorato Catindig, and that of her mother, Gemma Garcia.

Alternative Answers: It may be noted that the problems does not show whether Gianna was born while Aimee was living with her ex-husband. Neither does it show who filed the judicial action to correct the entries. If the problem is intended only for purpose of determining whether factual changes are in order, then the answers are:

Since there is no law prohibiting an illegitimate child adopted by her natural father, like Stephanie, to use, as middle name her mother's surname, the High Court found no reason why she should not be allowed to do so. Note: The Supreme Court, in granting the petition, predicated its ruling upon the statutory principle that adoption statutes, being humane and salutary, should be liberally construed to carry out the beneficent purposes of adoption. The modern trend is to consider adoption not merely as an act to establish a relationship of paternity and filiation, but also as an act which endows a child with legitimate status. (In the Matter of the Adoption of Stephanie Nathy Astorga Garcia, G.R. No. 148311. March 31, 2005)

A change from “legitimate” to “illegitimate” is proper upon proof of lack of marriage between Andy and Aimee.

b.

If the child is considered illegitimate, then she should follow the surname of her mother.

A: Under R.A. 9048, only typographical errors are allowed to be corrected administratively. The change of status from legitimate to illegitimate is not a typographical error and even assuming that it is, its administrative correction is not allowed under R.A. 9048. Typographical errors involving status, age, citizenship, and gender are expressly excluded from what may be corrected administratively. The change of the surname is also not allowed administratively. R.A. 9048 provides for an administrative procedure for change of first name only and not for change of surname.

Change her status from “legitimate” to “illegitimate”; and

Q: Assuming that Aimee is successful in declaring her former marriage void, and Andy and Aimee subsequently married each other, would Gianna be legitimated (2008 Bar Question)?

A: A judicial action cannot be maintained to change the status of Gianna from “legitimate” to “illegitimate” child of Andy and Aimee. While it is true that Gianna is the biological daughter of Andy and Aimee conceived and born without marriage between them, Gianna is presumed, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

a.

Q: Instead of a judicial action, can administrative proceedings be brought for the purpose of making the above corrections?

Q: Giana was born to Andy and Aimee, who at the time of Giana’s birth were not married to each other. While Andy was single at that time, Aimee was still in the process of securing a judicial declaration of nullity on her marriage to her ex-husband. Gianna’s birth certificate, which was signed by both Andy and Aimee, registered the status of Gianna as “legitimate”, her surname carrying that of Andy’s, and that her parents were married to each other. Can a judicial action for correction of entries in Gianna’s birth certificate be successfully maintained to: a.

Change her surname from that of Andy’s to Aimee’s maiden surname?

A: No, Gianna will not be legitimated. While the court may have declared the marriage void ab initio and, therefore, no

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS marriage took place in the eyes of the law, Gianna will still not be legitimated. This is because at the time she was conceived and born her biological parents could not have validly married each other. For their marriage to be valid, the court must first declare the first marriage null and void. In the problem, Gianna was conceived and born before the court has decreed the nullity of her mother’s previous marriage.

A: They may petition the Court for the appointment of a representative to represent the absentee in all that may be necessary. Q: What is the duty of the Court after appointing the representative? A: The Court shall: 1. Take the necessary measures to safeguard the rights and interests of the absentee. 2. Specify the powers, obligations, and remuneration of the representative. 3. Regulate the powers, obligations and remuneration according to the circumstances by the rules concerning guardians.

Note: The word "principally" as used in the codal provision is not equivalent to "exclusively" so that there is no legal obstacle if a legitimate or legitimated child should choose to use the surname of its mother to which it is equally entitled. If the use of the mother’s surname is since childhood and the child has been using it already in various records, then there is an ample justification for the continuation of the use of the mother’s surname. It is therefore, not whimsical but on the contrary is based on a solid and reasonable ground, i.e. to avoid confusion. (Alfon v. Republic, G.R No. L-51201, May 29, 1980)

Q: What is the order of preference in the appointment of a representative?

ABSENCE A: 1. 2.

PROVISIONAL MEASURES IN CASE OF ABSENCE

Spouse present, except, when legally separated. In the absence of spouse, any competent person.

Q: What is absence? Note: The administrator of the absentee's property shall be appointed in accordance with the same order.

A: The special status of a person who has left his domicile and thereafter his whereabouts and fate are unknown, it being uncertain whether he is already dead or still alive. (Olaguiviel v. Morada, 63 O.G. 4940)

DECLARATION OF ABSENCE Q: What are the requisites for a declaration of absence?

Q: What are the kinds of absence? A: 1. 2.

A: 1. 2. 3.

Physical Absence Legal Absence

Q: What are the 3 Stages of Absence?

The absentee have disappeared from his domicile His whereabouts are not known he has been absent without any news for 2 years, if nobody was left to administer his property or 5 years if somebody was left to administer such property

Q: When may absence be judicially declared?

A: 1. Provisional Absence – when a person disappears from his domicile his whereabouts being unknown, without leaving an agent to administer his property

A: It depends. 1. Where the absentee left no agent to administer his property- after two (2) years without any news about the absentee or since receipt of the last news. 2. Where the absentee has left a person to administer his property- after five (5) years.

2. Declared Absence – when a person disappears from his domicile and 2 years thereafter have elapsed without any news about him or since the receipt of the last news, or 5 years have elapsed in case he left a person to administer his property

Q: Who may ask for the declaration of absence? 3. Presumptive Death – the absentee is presumed dead (Jurado, 2009)

A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Q: What is provisional absence? A: 1. 2.

Spouse present Heirs instituted in a will Relatives who may succeed by intestacy Persons who may have over the property of the absentee some right subordinated to the condition of his death.

When a person disappears from his domicile His whereabouts are unknown and: a. he did not leave any agent b. he left an agent but the agent’s power has expired

Q: When shall the judicial declaration of absence take effect?

Q: What is the remedy of an interested party, a relative or a friend of the absentee to protect the latter's interest?

A: Six (6) months after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

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CIVIL LAW Q: Who are presumed dead for all purposes including the division of estate among heirs in case of extraordinary presumption of death?

Note: A judicial declaration of absence is necessary fpr interested persons o be able to rotect their rights, interests and benefits in connection with the person who has disappeared. It is also necessary to protect the interest of the absentee. (Sta. Maria, Jr., Persons and Family Relations Law)

A: VAD 1.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROPERTY OF THE ABSENTEE Q: When shall the administration of the property of the absentee cease? A: ADD 1. 2. 3.

2. 3.

When absentee Appears personally or by means of an agent. When Death of the absentee is proved and his testate or intestate heirs appear. When a third person appears, showing by a proper Document that he has acquired the absentee's property by purchase or other title.

Q: When is the absentee presumed to have died under an extraordinary presumption? A: At the time of disappearance. i.e. when the calamity took place.

PRESUMPTION OF DEATH

Q: May a petition for the declaration of presumptive death be the subject of a judicial declaration, if it is the only question upon which a competent court has to pass?

Q: What are the kinds of presumed death? A: 1.

2.

A: No. Under the NCC, the presumption of death is established by law and no court declaration is needed for the presumption to arise. Moreover, It is clear that a judicial declaration that a person is presumptively dead, being a presumption juris tantum only, subject to contrary proof, cannot become final. If a judicial decree declaring a person presumptively dead, cannot become final and executory even after the lapse of the reglementary period within which an appeal may be taken, then a petition for such a declaration is useless, unnecessary, superfluous and of no benefit to the petitioner.

Ordinary presumption- ordinary absence; absentee disappears under normal conditions without danger or idea of death. Extraordinary presumption- qualified absence; disappearance with great probability of death.

Q: What are the rules in ordinary presumption of death? A: In case of: 1. Disappearance upon or before reaching the age of seventy five (75) years: a. After an absence of seven (7) years -the absentee is presumed dead for all purposes except, succession. b. After an absence of ten (10) years - the absentee is presumed dead for all purposes including succession. 2. Disappearance at the age of seventy six (76) years or older, after an absence of five (5) years -the absentee is presumed dead for all purposes including succession.

Q: Juana married Arturo on January 1973. However, because the latter was unemployed the spouses constantly argued. Thus, Arturo left the conjugal dwelling on October 1975. Years passed without any word from Arturo. Juana didn’t hear any news of Arturo, his whereabouts or even if he was alive or not. Believing that Arturo was already dead, Juana married Dante on June 1986. Subsequently, however, Dante's application for naturalization filed with the United States Government was denied because of the subsisting marriage between Juana and Arturo. Hence, on March, 2007, Juana filed a Petition for declaration of presumptive death of Arturo with the RTC. The RTC dismissed the Petition on the ground that Juana was not able to prove the existence of a well-grounded belief that her husband Arturo was already dead as required under Article 41 of the Family Code.

Note: The word “absence” in the rule that a presumption of death is raised by the “absence” of a person from his domicile when unheard of for seven years, means that a person is not at the place of his domicile and his actual residence is unknown, and it is for this reason that his existence is doubtful, and that, after seven years of such absence, his death is resumed. But removal alone is not enough. (Gorham v. Settegast, 98 SW 655, also cited by Sta. Maria, Jr. Persons and Family Relations Law)

a. Was the RTC correct in dismissing the petition based on Article 41 of the Family Code?

Q: When is the absentee presumed to have died under an ordinary presumption?

A: No. Since the marriages were both celebrated under the auspices of the Civil Code it is the Civil Code that applies to this case not Art. 41 of the FC. Under the Civil Code, proof of well-founded belief is not required. Juana could not have been expected to comply with the requirement of proof of "well-founded belief" since the FC was not yet in effect at

A: At the end of the five, seven or ten year period, as the case may be.


Person on board a Vessel lost during a sea voyage, or an airplane which is missing, who has not been heard of for four (4) years since the loss of the vessel or airplane; Person in the Armed forces who has taken at in war, and has been missing for four (4) years; Person who has been in Danger of death under other circumstances and his existence has not been known for four (4) years.

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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS the time of her marriage to Dante. Moreover, the enactment of the FC in 1988 does not change this conclusion. The FC shall have no retroactive effect if it impairs vested rights. To retroactively apply the provisions of the FC requiring Juana to exhibit "well-founded belief" will, ultimately, result in the invalidation of her second marriage, which was valid at the time it was celebrated. Such a situation would be untenable and would go against the objectives that the Family Code wishes to achieve. b. Will the petition for declaration of presumptive death, therefore, prosper? A: No. Under the NCC, the presumption of death is established by law and no court declaration is needed for the presumption to arise. For the purposes of the civil marriage law, Art. 83 of the Civil Code, it is not necessary to have the former spouse judicially declared an absentee. The law only requires that the former spouse has been absent for seven consecutive years at the time of the second marriage, that the spouse present does not know his or her former spouse to be living, that such former spouse is generally reputed to be dead and the spouse present so believes at the time of the celebration of the marriage. Since death is presumed to have taken place by the seventh year of absence, Arturo is to be presumed dead starting October 1982. Further, the presumption of death cannot be the subject of court proceedings independent of the settlement of the absentee’s estate. In case the presumption of death is invoked independently of such an action or special proceeding there is no right to be enforced nor is there a remedy prayed for by the petitioner against her absent husband. Neither is there a prayer for the final determination of his right or status or for the ascertainment of a particular fact, for the petition does not pray for a declaration that the petitioner's husband is dead, but merely asks for a declaration that he be presumed dead because he had been unheard from in seven years. In sum, the petition for a declaration that the petitioner's husband is presumptively dead, even if judicially made, would not improve the petitioner's situation, because such a presumption is already established by law. (Valdez v. Republic, G.R. No. 180863, September 8, 2009) Q: Discuss the distinctions between declaration of presumptive death for purpose of contracting subsequent marriage and opening succession and declaration of absence under Rules of Court. A: DECLARATION OF PRESUMPTIVE DEATH FOR PURPOSE OF: OPENING OF SUCCESSION CONTRACTING SUBSEQUENT MARRIAGE Applicable laws Arts. 390-396, Civil Code Arts. 41-44, Family Code Who may file petition

Absentee’s co-heirs, heirs, assigns, representative or successors-in-interest

Spouse present

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DECLARATION OF ABSENCE

Rule 107, Rules of Court 1. Spouse present; 2. Heirs instituted in the will; 3. Relatives who will succeed by intestacy; or 4. Those who have over the property of the absentee some right subordinated to the condition of his


CIVIL LAW death. (Sec. 2, Rule 107) Purpose of petition To open succession

GR: Absence of ten years. XPN: If he disappeared after the age of seventy-five years, an absence of five years shall be sufficient in order that his succession may be opened

If the absentee appears, or without appearing his existence is proved, he shall recover his property in the condition in which it may be found, and the price of any property that may have been alienated or the property acquired therewith; but he cannot claim either fruits or rents. (Art. 392, Civil Code)

For the purpose of contracting subsequent marriage by spouse present When to file petition GR: 4 consecutive years absence of spouse – and the spouse present has a well-founded belief that the absent spouse was already dead XPN: 2 consecutive years absence of spouse – In case of disappearance where there is danger of death under the circumstances set forth in the provisions of Article 391 of the Civil Code (Art. 41, FC) Effect of reappearance It does not automatically terminate the subsequent marriage. To cause the termination of the subsequent marriage, the reappearance must be made in an affidavit of reappearance and the recording of a sworn statement of the fact and circumstances of such reappearance in the civil registry. If, however, there was previous judgment annulling or declaring the prior marriage void, then the reappearance of the absent spouse, the execution of the affidavit, and the recording of the sworn statement shall not result to the termination of the subsequent marriage.

CIVIL REGISTRAR

It is to appoint an administrator over the properties of the absentee. This is proper only where the absentee has properties to be administered

After 2 years: 1. From his disappearance and without any news about the absentee; or 2. Of the last news about the absentee. After 5 years: If he left an administrator of his property. (Sec. 2)

The trustee or administrator shall cease in the performance of his office, and the property shall be placed at the disposal of those who may have a right thereto.

his being legitimate or illegitimate, or his being married or not.

ARTICLE 407-413 Q: What is the civil register?

Q: What are the acts authorized to be entered in the civil register?

A: Refers to the various registry books and related certificates and documents kept in the archives of the local civil registry offices, Philippine Consulate, and of the Office of the Civil Registrar General.

A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: What shall be recorded in the civil register?

Q: What are the events authorized to be entered in the civil register?

A: The following, concerning the civil status of persons: 1. Acts 2. Events 3. Judicial decrees

A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Q: What is civil status? A: The circumstances affecting the legal situation or sum total of capacities or incapacities of a person in view of his age, nationality and family membership (Beduya v. Republic, G.R. L-71639, May 29, 1964). It also includes all his personal qualities and relations, more or less permanent in nature, not ordinarily terminable at his own will, such as UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Legitimation Acknowledgment of illegitimate children Naturalization

Birth Marriages Naturalization Death

Q: What are the judicial decrees authorized to be entered in the civil register? A: 1. 2.

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Legal separation Annulments of marriage

PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Declarations of nullity of marriage Adoption Naturalization Loss or recovery of citizenship Civil interdiction Judicial determination of filiation Changes of name (Silverio v. Republic, G.R. No. 174689, October 22, 2007)

his first name Zirxthoussous to "Jesus." His full name now reads "Jesus delos Santos." Jesus delos Santos moved to General Santos City to work in a multi-national company. There, he fell in love and married Mary Grace delos Santos. She requested him to have his first name changed because his new name "Jesus delos Santos" is the same name as that of her father who abandoned her family and became a notorious drug lord. She wanted to forget him. Hence, Jesus filed another petition with the Office of the Local Civil Registrar to change his first name to "Roberto." He claimed that the change is warranted because it will eradicate all vestiges of the infamy of Mary Grace's father. Will the petition for change of name of Jesus delos Santos to Roberto delos Santos under Republic Act No. 9048 prosper? (2006 Bar Question)

Q: What is the nature of the books making up the civil register and the documents relating thereto? A: The books and documents shall be considered public documents and shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein contained. Note: Applications for delayed registration of birth go through a rigorous process. The books making up the civil register are considered public documents and as a public document, a registered certificate of live birth enjoys the presumption of validity (Nieves Estares Baldos, substituted by Francisco Baldos and Martin Baldos v. Court of Appeals and Reynaldo Pillazar a.k.a. Reynaldo Estares Baldos, G.R. No. 170645, July 9, 2010).

A: No, under the law, Jesus may only change his name once. In addition, the petition for change of name may be denied on the following grounds: 1. Jesus is neither ridiculous, nor tainted with dishonor nor extremely difficult to write or pronounce. 2. There is no confusion to be avoided or created with the use of the registered first name or nickname of the petitioner. 3. The petition involves the same entry in the same document, which was previously corrected or changed under the Rules and Regulations Implementing RA 9048.

R.A. 9048 Q: When did R.A. 9048 take effect? A: March 22, 2001 Q: What is the rule with regard to changing or correction of entries in the civil register?

RULE 108, RULES OF COURT

A: GR: No entry in a civil register shall be changed or corrected without a judicial order.

Q: May clerical or typographical errors be corrected under Rule 108 of the Rules of Court?

XPNs: 1. Clerical or typographical errors and 2. Change of first name or nickname which can be corrected or changed administratively by the concerned city or municipal civil registrar or consul general in accordance with the provisions of RA 9048 (Clerical Error Law).

A: No. The correction or change of clerical or typographical errors can now be made through administrative proceedings and without the need for a judicial order. In effect, RA 9048 removed from the ambit of Rule 108 of the Rules of Court the correction of such errors. Rule 108 now applies only to substantial changes and corrections in entries in the civil register. (Silverio v. Republic, G.R. No. 174689, October 22, 2007)

Q: What is a clerical or typographical error? A: Refers to a mistake committed in the performance of clerical work in writing , copying, transcribing or typing an entry in the civil register that is harmless and innocuous, such as misspelled name or misspelled place of birth or the like, which is visible to the eyes or obvious to the understanding, and can be corrected or changed only by reference to other existing record or records: Provided, that no correction must involve the change of , nationality, age, status or sex of the petitioner. (Section 2(c), RA 9048)

Q: What is a first name? A: Refers to a name or nickname given to a person which may consist of one or more names in addition to the middle and last names. Q: John Lloyd Cruzada filed a petition for the change of his first name and sex in his birth certificate in the RTC. He alleged that his name was registered as “John Lloyd Cruzada” in his certificate of live birth. His sex was registered as “male”. Further, he alleged that he is a male transsexual. Prior to filing the petition, he underwent sex reassignment surgery Thailand. Thus, he seeks to have his name in his birth certificate changed from “John Lloyd” to “Joanna,” and his sex from “male” to “female” on the ground of sex reassignment pursuant to Articles 407 to

Q: Zirxthoussous delos Santos filed a petition for change of name with the Office of the Civil Registrar of Mandaluyong City under the administrative proceeding provided in RA No. 9048. He alleged that his first name sounds ridiculous and is extremely difficult to spell and pronounce. After complying with the requirements of the law, the Civil Registrar granted his petition and changed

89


CIVIL LAW subsequently denied. Hence, the remedy and the proceedings regulating change of first name are primarily administrative in nature, not judicial (Silverio v. Republic, G.R. No. 174689, October 22, 2007).

413 of the Civil Code, Rules 103 and 108 of the Rules of Court and RA 9048. 1. May a person's first name be changed on the ground of sex reassignment? A: No. The State has an interest in the names borne by individuals and entities for purposes of identification. A change of name is a privilege, not a right. Petitions for change of name are controlled by statutes. RA 9048 now governs the change of first name. RA 9048 provides the grounds for which change of first name may be allowed: (1) The petitioner finds the first name or nickname to be ridiculous, tainted with dishonor or extremely difficult to write or pronounce; (2) The new first name or nickname has been habitually and continuously used by the petitioner and he has been publicly known by that first name or nickname in the community; or (3) The change will avoid confusion. RA 9048 does not sanction a change of first name on the ground of sex reassignment. Rather than avoiding confusion, changing petitioner’s first name for his declared purpose may only create grave complications in the civil registry and the public interest. Before a person can legally change his given name, he must present proper or reasonable cause or any compelling reason justifying such change. In addition, he must show that he will be prejudiced by the use of his true and official name. In this case, he failed to show, or even allege, any prejudice that he might suffer as a result of using his true and official name. 2.

May a person's sex as indicated in his certificate of birth be changed on the ground of sex reassignment?

A: No. Under RA 9048, a correction in the civil registry involving the change of sex is not a mere clerical or typographical error. It is a substantial change for which the applicable procedure is Rule 108 of the Rules of Court. The entries correctable under Rule 108 of the Rules of Court are those provided in Arts. 407 and 408 of the NCC. These acts, events and judicial decrees provided in Arts. 407 and 408 of the NCC produce legal consequences that touch upon the legal capacity, status and nationality of a person. Their effects are expressly sanctioned by the laws. In contrast, sex reassignment is not among those acts or events mentioned in Art. 407. Neither is it recognized nor even mentioned by any law, expressly or impliedly. A person’s sex is an essential factor in marriage and family relations. It is a part of a person’s legal capacity and civil status. In this connection, Art. 413 of the NCC provides that all other matters pertaining to the registration of civil status shall be governed by special laws. But there is no such special law in the Philippines governing sex reassignment and its effects (Silverio v. Republic, G.R. No. 174689, October 22, 2007). Note: The jurisdiction over applications for change of first name is now primarily lodged with the city or municipal civil registrar or consul general concerned. The intent and effect of the law is to exclude the change of first name from the coverage of Rules 103 (Change of Name) and 108 (Cancellation or Correction of Entries in the Civil Registry) of the Rules of Court, until and unless an administrative petition for change of name is first filed and


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PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS respiratory functions or the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain system.) (Sec. 2[j], R.A. 7170, as amended)

PROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS

CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY

Q: What is property?

Q: What are the classifications of property?

A: It is an object or a right which is appropriated or susceptible of appropriation by man, with capacity to satisfy human wants and needs (Pineda, 1999)

A: 1.

As to mobility a. Immovable or real property b. Movable or personal property 2. As to ownership a. Public dominion b. Private ownership 3. As to alienability a. Alienable b. Inalienable 4. As to individuality a. Specific property b. Generic property 5. As to susceptibility to touch a. Tangible b. Intangible 6. As to susceptibility to substitution a. Fungible b. Non fungible 7. As to accession a. Principal b. Accessory 8. As to existence a. Existing or present property (res existentes) b. Future property (res futurae) 9. As to consumability a. Consumable b. Non-consumable 10. As to divisibility a. Divisible b. Indivisible

It is any object which is, or may be, appropriated. (Art. 414) Q: What are the requisites for a thing to be considered as property? A: USA 1. 2.

3.

Utility – capacity to satisfy human wants Substantivity/ Individuality – It has a separate and autonomous existence. It can exist by itself and not merely as a part of a whole. (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines, vol. 2, 2008 ed.) Appropriability – susceptibility to ownership/possession, even if not yet actually appropriated

Q: What properties are not susceptible of appropriation? A: 1.

Common things (res communes) – Those properties belonging to everyone. While in particular no one owns common property, still in another sense, res communes are really owned by everybody in that their use and enjoyment are given to all of mankind. Examples: air, wind, sunlight. (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines, vol. 2, 2008 ed.) XPN: Those that may be appropriated under certain conditions in a limited way. e.g. Electricity

2.

3.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Not susceptible due to physical impossibility e.g. Sun

Q: What is the concept of hidden treasure?

Not susceptible due to legal impossibility e.g. Human body

A: Any hidden and unknown deposit of money, jewelry or other precious objects, the lawful ownership of which does not appear. (Art 439)

Q: Is the human body a real or personal property?

Q: What is the meaning of “other precious objects”?

A: The human body, whether alive or dead, is neither real nor personal property. It is not even property at all, in that it generally cannot be appropriated.

A: Under the ejusdem generis rule, the phrase should be understood as being similar to money or jewelry.

While a human being is alive, he cannot, as such, be the object of a contract, for he is considered outside the commerce of man. He may donate part of his blood, may even sell part of his hair, but he cannot sell his body (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines, vol. 2, 2008).

Q: Is oil or gold considered as hidden treasure? A: No, these are natural resources. The Regalian Doctrine applies and not the provisions on hidden treasure. Q: What is the rule regarding discovery of hidden treasure?

Note: Under the R.A. 7170 or the Organ Donation Act of 1991, donation of all or a part of a human body may only occur after a person’s “death” (i.e., the irreversible cessation of circulatory and

A: GR: If the finder is the owner of the land, building, or other property where it is found, the entire hidden treasure belongs to him.

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CIVIL LAW The vault of the Banco de las Islas Filipinas has been buried for about a century and the Bank of the Philippine Islands cannot succeed by inheritance to the property of Banco de las Islas Filipinas. The ownership of the vault, together with the notes and coins can now legally be considered as hidden treasure because its ownership is no longer apparent. The contractor, Adams, is not a trespasser and therefore entitled to one-half of the hidden treasure and Blas as owner of the property, is entitled the other half (Art. 438). Since the notes and coins have historical value, the government may acquire them at their just price which in turn will be divided equally between Adam and Blas (Art. 438, par.3)

XPN: If the finder is not the owner or is a stranger (includes the lessee or usufructuary), he is entitled to ½ thereof. (Art 566) Q: What is the effect if the finder is married? A: If the finder is married he or she gets one half of the treasure or its value his or her spouse is entitled to share one-half of that share it being a conjugal property. (Art. 117, par. 4, FC) Q: When is the finder entitled to any share in the hidden treasure?

Alternative Answer: The Banco de las Islas Filipinas is the owner of the vault. The finder and the owner of the land cannot share in the notes and coins, because they are not buried treasure under the law, as the ownership is known. Although under Art. 720 of the NCC the finder shall be given a reward of one-tenth of the price of the thing found, as a lost movable, on the principle of quasi-contract.

A: Requisites: ACTA 1. Discovery was made on the property of Another, or of the State or any of its political subdivisions; 2. Made by Chance; and 3. He is not a Trespasser or Agent of the landowner. (Art. 438 par. 2) Note: If the things found be of interest to science or the arts, the State may acquire them at their just price, which shall be divided in conformity with the rule stated. (Art. 438)

However, the notes and coins may have become res nullius considering that Banco de las Islas Filipinas is no longer a juridical person and has apparently given up looking for them and Adam, the first one to take possession with intent to possess shall become the sole owner.

Q: Is a trespasser who discovers hidden treasure on a land owned by another entitled to any rights to such treasure?

Q: Assuming that either or both Adam and Blas are adjudged as owners, will the notes and coins be deemed part of their absolute community or conjugal partnership of gains with their respective spouses? (2008 Bar Question)

A: A trespasser (one prohibited to enter, or not given the authority to enter) who discovers hidden treasure is not entitled to any share of the treasure. (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines, p. 199, vol. 2, 2008) Q: What is the meaning of “By Chance”?

A: Yes. The hidden treasure will be part of the absolute community or conjugal property, of the respective marriages. (Arts. 91, 93 & 106, FC)

A: The finder had no intention to search for the treasure. There is no agreement between the owner of the property and the finder for the search of the treasure.

Alternative Answer: It is not hidden treasure and therefore, not part of the absolute or conjugal partnership of the spouses. But the finder of the lost movable, then his reward equivalent to one-tenth of the value of the vault’s contents, will form part of the conjugal partnership. If the government wants to acquire the notes and coins, it must expropriate them for public use as museum pieces and pay just compensation.

Q: Adam, a building contractor, was engaged by Blas to construct a house on a lot which he (Blas) owns. While digging on the lot in order to lay down the foundation of the house, Adam hit a very hard object. It turned out to be the vault of the old Banco de las Islas Filipinas. Using a detonation device, Adam was able to open the vault containing old notes and coins which were in circulation during the Spanish era. While the notes and coins are no longer legal tender, they were valued at P 100 million because of their historical value and the coins’ silver and nickel content. The following filed legal claims over the notes and coins:

ACCESSION Q: What is the right of accession? A: That right of ownership of which an owner of a thing has over the products of said thing (accession discreta), as well as to all things inseparably attached or incorporated thereto whether naturally or artificially (accession continua). (Pineda Property, p.116, 2009 ed.)

i) Adam, as finder; ii) Blas, as owner of the property where they were found; iii) Bank of the Philippine Islands, as successor-ininterest of the owner of the vault; and iv) The Philippine Government because of their historical value. Who owns the notes and coins?

Q: Is accession a mode of acquiring ownership? A: No. It is not one of the modes enumerated under Art. 712 (different modes of acquiring ownership). It is therefore safe to conclude that accession is not a mode of acquiring ownership. The reason is simple: accession presupposes a

A: Hidden treasure is money jewelry or other precious objects the ownership of which does not appear (Art. 439). UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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PROPERTY previously existing ownership by the owner over the principal. Fundamentally and in the last analysis, accession is a right implicitly included in ownership, without which it will have no basis or existence. (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines, p. 203, vol. 2, 2008) Note: In general, the right to accession is automatic (ipso jure), requiring no prior act on the part of the owner or principal.

FRUITS Q: What is the rule on the owners right of accession with respect to what is produced by his property? A: To the owner belongs the: 1. Natural fruits; 2. Industrial fruits; 3. Civil fruits. (Art. 441) Note: Natural fruits are the spontaneous products of the soil, and the young and other products of animals. Industrial fruits are those produced by lands of any kind through cultivation or labor. Civil fruits are the rents of buildings, the price of leases of lands and other property and the amount of perpetual or life annuities or other similar income.

Q: What is the obligation of the owner who receives the fruit from a third person? A: He who receives the fruits has the obligation to pay the expenses made by a third person in their production, gathering and preservation. Note: Only such as are manifest or born are considered as natural or industrial fruits. With respect to animals, it is sufficient that they are in the womb of the mother, although unborn.

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CIVIL LAW

ACCESSION; IMMOVABLE PROPERTY FRUITS Q: What is the rule if the planter and owner of the land are different? A: As to: Gathered Fruits Planter in GF Planter

Keeps fruits No necessity to reimburse the planter of expenses since he retains the fruits Standing Crops Planter in GF Reimbursed for expenses, for production, gathering and preservation Owns fruits provided he pays planter expenses for production, gathering and preservation

Owner

Planter Owner

Planter in BF Reimbursed for expenses for production, gathering and preservation Gets fruits, pay planter expenses Planter in BF Loses everything; No right of reimbursement Owns fruits

Q: Give the rule when the land owner is the builder, planter or sower. A: Land Owner and Builder, Planter or Sower Good Faith

Owner of Materials Good Faith 1. Remove materials if w/o injury to works, Acquire building etc. after paying indemnity for value of materials. plantings or constructions; or 2. Receive indemnity for value of materials Bad Faith Good Faith 1. Remove materials, w/ or w/o injury and be Acquire building etc. after paying value of materials AND indemnity for indemnified for damages; or damages, subject to the right of the owner of materials to remove 2. Be indemnified for value of materials and damages Good Faith Bad Faith Lose materials w/o being indemnified and pay Acquire w/o paying indemnity and right to damages damages Bad Faith Bad Faith As though both acted in good faith (in pari delicto)

Q: Give the rule when land owner is not builder, planter or sower. A: Land Owner Good Faith LO has option to: 1. Acquire improvements after paying indemnity which could either be: a. Original costs of improvements b. Increase in the value of the whole 2. Sell the land to builder and planter or collect rent from sower unless the value of the land is considerably greater than the building etc., in which case, the builder and planter shall pay rent under the terms fixed by the parties Good Faith 1. Option to: a. Acquire improvements without paying indemnity and collect damages UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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Builder, Planter, Sower and Owner of Materials Good Faith In case land owner exercises (1), builder has the right to retain until indemnity is paid and cannot be required to pay rent

Bad Faith 1. Lose improvements without right to be indemnified 2. Recover necessary expenses for preservation of land

PROPERTY b. Sell the land to builder and planter or rent it to the sower, and collect damages in both cases c. Order the demolition of work or restoration to former condition and collect damages in both cases 2. Pay necessary expenses for preservation Bad Faith 1. Land owner must indemnify builder, planter, sower for improvements and pay damages.

3. Pay damages to land owner

Good Faith 1. Receive indemnity for improvements and receive damages; or 2. Remove them in any event and receive damages

2. Cannot compel Builder, planter and sower to buy land Bad Faith

Bad Faith As though both acted in good faith (in pari delicto)

Q: Give the rule when the land owner, builder, planter, sower and owner of materials are different persons. A: Land Owner Builder, Planter, Sower Good Faith Good Faith 1. Acquire improvements and pay 1. Right of retention for necessary and indemnity to builder, planter, sower and useful expenses; be subsidiarily liable to owner of materials for value of materials and

Owner of Materials Good Faith 1. Collect value of materials primarily from BPS and subsidiarily from LO if former is insolvent 2. Remove only if w/o injury

2. Either a. Sell the land to builder and planter except if its value is considerably more b. Rent to sower Good Faith 1. Option to: a. Acquire improvements and pay indemnity to builder, planter, sower b. i. Sell to builder, planter except if the value of land is considerably more, then, forced lease ii. Rent to sower

2. Pay value of materials to its owner

Good Faith 1. Right of retention for necessary and useful expenses.

Bad Faith 1. Loses materials without right to indemnity

2. Keeps building etc. without indemnity to owner of materials and collects damages from him

2. Pays damages

2. Without subsidiary liability for cost of materials Good Faith 1. Option to: a. Acquire improvements without paying indemnity and collect damages b. Demolition/ restore plus damages c. Sell to builder, planter or collect rent from sower plus damages 2. Pay necessary expenses to builder, planter, sower Bad Faith

Bad Faith

Bad Faith

1. Recover necessary expenses for land preservation 2. Loses improvements without right to indemnity from land owner unless the latter sells the land

Bad Faith Same as though both acted in good faith (in pari delicto)

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1.Recover value from builder, planter, sower (in pari delicto) 2. If builder, planter, sower acquired improvements, remove materials if possible without injury 3. No action against land owner and may be liable to the latter for damages Bad Faith


CIVIL LAW Bad Faith

Good Faith

Good Faith

1. Remove materials if possible without 1. Acquires improvements after paying injury 1. Remove improvements indemnity and damages to builder, 2. Be indemnified for damages in any planter, sower, unless the latter decides to 2. Collect value of materials primarily event remove from builder, planter, sower, subsidiarily from land owner Bad Faith Bad Faith Good Faith 1. Acquire improvements after indemnity, subsidiarily liable to owner of materials 1. Right of retention for necessary expenses 1. Collect value of materials primarily 2. from builder, planter, sower, subsidiarily a. Sell to builder, planter except if value 2. Pay value of materials to owner of from land owner of land is more materials and pay him damages b. Rent to sower Good Faith 1. Option to: a. Acquire without paying indemnity and collect damages b. Sell to builder, planter or rent to sower and collect damages 2. Pay necessary expenses to builder, planter, sower 3. Subsidiarily liable to owner of materials Bad Faith Acquire improvements and pay indemnity and damages to builder, planter, sower unless the latter decides to remove

Bad Faith

1. Recovers necessary expenses

Good Faith

1. Collect value of materials and damages from builder, planter, sower

2. Loses improvements without right of indemnity from land owner unless the latter sells the land

2. Remove materials in any event if builder, planter, sower

Good Faith 1. Indemnity for damages

Bad Faith No indemnity, loses materials

2. Remove improvements in any event

builder in good faith (Carrascoso v. CA, G.R. No. 123672, December14, 2005).

Q: When can the owner of the land appropriate as his own the works, sowing or planting of the builder, planter or sower?

Q: May the owner of the land choose neither to pay the building nor to sell the land and demand the removal of the structures and restoration of possession of the lot? Decide.

A: Only when the builder, planter, or sower believes that he has the right to so build, plant, or sow because he thinks he owns the land or believes himself to have a claim of title (Morales v. CA, G.R. No. 12196, January28, 1998).

A: The owner has the option of paying the value of the building or selling the land. He cannot refuse either to pay or sell and compel the owner of the building to remove it from the land where it is erected. He is entitled to such

Note: Improvements made prior to the annotation of the notice of lis pendens are deemed to have been made in good faith. After such annotation, the builder can no longer invoke the rights of a


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PROPERTY removal only when, after having chosen to sell the land, the other party fails to pay for the same (Ignacio v. Hilario, 76 Phil 606, 1946).

A: Yes, Pecson is entitled to rentals by virtue of his right of retention over the apartment. The construction of the apartment was undertaken at the time when Pecson was still the owner of the lot. When the Nuguids became the uncontested owner of the lot, the apartment was already in existence and occupied by tenants.

Q: Felix cultivated a parcel of land and planted sugar cane, believing it to be his own. When the crop was eight months old, and harvestable after two more months, a resurvey of the land showed that it really belonged to Fred. What are the options available to Fred? (2000 Bar Question)

Art. 448 does not apply to cases where the owner of the land is the builder but who later lost the land; not being applicable, the indemnity that should be paid to the buyer must be the fair market value of the building and not just the cost of construction thereof. To do otherwise would unjustly enrich the new owner of the land.

A: As to the pending crops planted by Felix in good faith, Fred has the option of allowing Felix to continue the cultivation and to harvest the crops, or to continue the cultivation and harvest the crops himself. In the latter option, however, Felix shall have the right to a part of the expenses of cultivation and to a part of the net harvest, both in proportion to the time of possession. (Art. 545)

Note: While the law aims to concentrate in one person the ownership of the land and the improvements thereon in view of the impracticability of creating a state of forced co-ownership, it guards against unjust enrichment insofar as the good-faith builder’s improvements are concerned. The right of retention is considered as one of the measures to protect builders in good faith.

Q: Because of confusion as to the boundaries of the adjoining lots that they bought from the same subdivision company, X constructed a house on the adjoining lot of Y in the honest belief that it is the land that he bought from the subdivision company.

Q: Pending complete reimbursement, may the spouses Nuguid benefit from the improvement? A: No. Since spouses Nuguid opted to appropriate the improvement for themselves when they applied for a writ of execution despite knowledge that the auction sale did not include the apartment building, they could not benefit from the lot’s improvement until they reimbursed the improver in full, based on the current market value of the property (Pecson v. CA, G.R. No. 115814, May 26, 1995).

What are the respective rights of X and Y with respect to X's house? A: The rights of Y, as owner of the lot, and of X, as builder of a house thereon, are governed by Art. 448 which grants to Y the right to choose between two remedies: (a) appropriate the house by indemnifying X for its value plus whatever necessary expenses the latter may have incurred for the preservation of the land, or (b) compel X to buy the land if the price of the land is not considerably more than the value of the house. If it is, then X cannot be obliged to buy the land but he shall pay reasonable rent, and in case of disagreement, the court shall fix the terms of the lease.

Q: In good faith, Pedro constructed a five-door commercial building on the land of Pablo who was also in good faith. When Pablo discovered the construction, he opted to appropriate the building by paying Pedro the cost thereof. However, Pedro insists that he should be paid the current market value of the building, which was much higher because of inflation. (2000 Bar Question)

Suppose X was in good faith but Y knew that X was constructing on his (Y's) land but simply kept quiet about it, thinking perhaps that he could get X's house later. What are the respective rights of the parties over X's house in this case? (1999 Bar Question)

1. Who is correct, Pedro or Pablo? A: Pablo is correct. Under Art. 448 in relation to Art. 546, the builder in good faith is entitled to a refund of the necessary and useful expenses incurred by him, or the increase in value which the land may have acquired by reason of the improvement, at the option of the landowner. The builder is entitled to a refund of the expenses he incurred, and not to the market value of the improvement.

A: Since the lot owner Y is deemed to be in bad faith (Art. 453), X as the party in good faith may (a) remove the house and demand indemnification for damages suffered by him, or (b) demand payment of the value of the house plus reparation for damages (Art. 447, in relation to Art. 454). Y continues as owner of the lot and becomes, under the second option, owner of the house as well, after he pays the sums demanded.

Note: The case of Pecson v. CA, G.R. No. 115814, May 26, 1995 is not applicable.

2. In the meantime that Pedro is not yet paid, who is entitled to the rentals of the building, Pedro or Pablo?

Q: Pecson owned a commercial lot on which he built a building. For failure to pay realty taxes, the lot was sold at public auction to Nepomuceno, who in turn sold it to the spouses Nuguid. The sale, however, does not include the building. The spouses subsequently moved for the delivery of possession of the said lot and apartment. Pecson filed a motion to restore possession pending determination of the value of the apartment. May Pecson claim payment of rentals?

A: Pablo is entitled to the rentals of the building. As the owner of the land, Pablo is also the owner of the building being an accession thereto. However, Pedro who is entitled to retain the building is also entitled to retain the rentals. He, however, shall apply the rentals to the indemnity payable to him after deducting reasonable cost of repair and maintenance.

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CIVIL LAW Q: What is the effect if the building built on the land owned by another is sold to pay for the land’s value?

the value of the land, when such is demanded by the landowner, the land owner becomes automatically the owner of the improvement under Art. 445.

A: The builder becomes part-owner of the land. Q: The Church, despite knowledge that its intended contract of sale with the National Housing Authority (NHA) had not been perfected, proceeded to introduce improvements on the disputed land. On the other hand, NHA knowingly granted the Church temporary use of the subject properties and did not prevent the Church from making improvements thereon. Did the Church and NHA act in bad faith?

Q: When may the landowner compel the removal of the building built on his land? A: The landowner may not seek to compel the owner of the building to remove the building from the land after refusing to pay for the building or to sell the land. He is entitled to such removal only when, after having chosen to sell the land, the other party fails to pay for said land (Ignacio v. Hilario, G.R. L-175, April 30, 1946).

A: Yes. The Church and the NHA, both acted in bad faith, hence, they shall be treated as if they were both in good faith (National Housing Authority v. Grace Baptist Church, G.R. No. 156437, March 1, 2004).

Q: What is the rule when the land’s value is considerably more than the improvement? A: The landowner cannot compel the builder to buy the land. In such event, a “forced lease” is created and the court shall fix the terms thereof in case the parties disagree thereon (Depra v. Dumalo, No. L-57348, May 16, 1985). Q: What is the rule when landowner sells the land to a 3 person who is in bad faith?

USUFRUCTUARY Q: What are the rights of the usufructuary over improvements he introduced on the property held in usufruct?

rd

A: GR: The usufructuary is not entitled to indemnity for the expenses he had incurred in the making of the improvements.

rd

A: Builder must go against the 3 person but if the latter has paid the land owner, a case against such land owner rd may still be filed by the builder and the 3 person may file a rd 3 party complaint against land owner.

XPN: He may remove the improvements even against the will of the owner, provided, that no damage would be caused to the property. (Art. 579)

Q: Does the land owner have the right of removal or demolition?

Note: The usufructuary may introduce useful or luxurious improvements but is prohibited from altering the form and substance of the property.

A: GR: No. XPN: Option exercised was compulsory selling and builder failed to pay.

Q: What if the improvements cannot be removed without causing damage to the property?

Q: What is the recourse left to the parties where the builder fails to pay the value of the land?

A: The usufructuary may set off the improvements he may have made on the property against any damage to the same. (Art 580)

A: While the Civil Code is silent on this point, guidance may be had from these decisions: 1. In Miranda v. Fadullon, G.R. No. L-8220, October 29, 1955, the builder might be made to pay rental only, leave things as they are, and assume the relation of lessor and lessee; 2. In Ignacio v. Hilario, G.R. L-175, April 30, 1946, owner of the land may have the improvement removed; or 3. In Bernardo v. Bataclan, G.R. No. L-44606, November 28, 1938, the land and the improvement may be sold in a public auction, applying the proceeds first to the payments of the value of the land, and the excess if any, to be delivered to the owner of the house in payment thereof. (Filipinas College Inc. v. Timbang, G.R. No. L-12812, September 29, 1959).

LAND ADJOINING RIVER BANKS ALLUVION Q: What is alluvium or alluvion? A: It is the gradual deposit of sediment by natural action of a current of fresh water (not sea water), the original identity of the deposit being lost. Where it is by sea water, it belongs to the State. (Government of Philippine Islands v. Cabangis, G.R. No. L-28379, March 27, 1929) Note: Art. 457 states “To the owners of the lands adjoining the banks of the rivers belongs the accretion which they gradually receive from the effects of the current of the waters.

Q: Will the landowner upon demand for payment automatically become the owner of the improvement for failure of the builder to pay for the value of the land?

Q: Distinguish accretion from alluvium?

A: No. There is nothing in Arts. 448 and 546 which would justify the conclusion that upon failure of the builder to pay UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

98

PROPERTY A: Accretion is the process whereby the soil is deposited while alluvium is the soil deposited.

A: 1.

Q: What are the requisites of alluvium? A: GRA 1. 2. 3.

Deposit be Gradual and imperceptible Resulted from the effects of the current of the water The land where the accretion takes place is Adjacent to the banks of a river

2

To compensate him for: a. danger of loss that he suffers due to the location of his land; and b. for the encumbrances and other easements on his land To promote the interests of agriculture as he is in the best position to utilize the accretion. CHANGE IN THE COURSE OF RIVER

Q: What is the effect if all the requisites are present?

Q: What happens when a river changes its course by natural causes and its bed is formed on a private estate?

A: The riparian owner is automatically entitled to the accretion.

A: It becomes of public dominion whether it is navigable or floatable.

Q: When does the alluvion start to become the property of the riparian owner?

Q: What are the requisites? A: NAPA 1. There must be a Natural change in the course of the waters of the river; otherwise, the bed may be the subject of a State grant (Reyes-Puno, p.54) 2. The change must be Abrupt or sudden; 3. The change must be Permanent;

A: From the time that the deposit created by the current of water becomes manifest. (Heirs of Navarro v. IAC, GR. No. 68166, February 12, 1997) Q: When does the rule on alluvion not apply? A: The rule does not apply to man-made or artificial accretions to lands that adjoin canals or esteros or artificial drainage system (Ronquillo v. CA, G.R. No 43346, March 20, 1991).

Note: The rule does not apply to temporary overflowing of the river.

4.

Q: What if the deposits accumulate, not through the effects of the current of the water, but because of the constructions made by the owner purely for defensive purposes against the damaging action of the water?

There must be Abandonment by the owner of the bed. Note: Abandonment pertains to the decision not to bring back the river to the old bed (Reyes-Puno, p.53).

Q: What is the effect when the river bed is abandoned? A: River beds which are abandoned through the natural change in the course of the waters ipso facto belong to the owners whose lands are occupied by the new course in proportion to the area lost. However, the owners of the lands adjoining the old bed shall have the right to acquire the same by paying the value thereof, which value shall not exceed the value of the area occupied by the new bed. (Art 461)

A: The deposits are still deemed to be alluvion and will belong to the riparian owner. Q: What if the deposit is brought about by sea water? A: It belongs to the State and forms part of the public domain. Q: Must alluvial deposits be registered?

Note: The rule on abandoned river bed does not apply to cases where the river simply dries up because there are no persons whose lands are occupied by the waters of the river.

A: Yes, though automatically it is owned by the riparian owner (Heirs of Navarro v. IAC, G.R. No. 68166, February 12, 1997).

AVULSION

Q: What if the riparian owner fails to register the deposits within the prescriptive period?

Q: What is avulsion?

A: Failure to register the alluvial deposit acquired by accretion for a period of 50 years subjects said accretion to acquisition thru prescription by third persons (Reynante v. CA, G.R. No. 95907, Apr. 8, 1992).

A: It is the deposit of known (identifiable) portion of land detached from the property of another which is attached to the property of another as a result of the effect of the current of a river, creek or torrent.

Note: Registration under the Torrens System does not protect the riparian owner against the diminution of the area of his registered land through gradual changes in the course of an adjoining stream.

Note: Art. 459 states that whenever the current of a river, creek, or torrent segregates from an estate on its banks a known portion of land and transfers it to another estate, the owner of the land to which the segregated portion belonged retains the ownership of it, provided he removes it within 2 years.

Q: What are the reasons for granting a riparian owner the right to alluvion deposited by a river?

Q: Distinguish alluvium from avulsion.

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CIVIL LAW A: ALLUVIUM

AVULSION

Gradual and imperceptible

Sudden or abrupt process

Soil cannot be identified

Identifiable and verifiable

Belongs to the owner of the property to which it is attached

Belongs to the owner from whose property it was detached Detachment followed by attachment

Merely an attachment

typhoon, destroying the bigger portion thereof and improvements thereon. Due to the movements of the river deposits on the part of the land that was not eroded, the area was increased. Later, Eduave allowed Dodong to introduce improvements thereon and live there as a caretaker. However, Dodong however later denied Eduave’s claim of ownership so the latter filed action to quiet title over the property. Who has a better right to the land? A: Eduave. Clearly, the land in question is an island that appears in a non-floatable and non-navigable river, and it is not disputed that Eduave is the owner of the parcel of land along the margin of the river and opposite the island. Applying Art. 465, the island belongs to the owner of the parcel of land nearer the margin. More accurately, because the island is longer than the property of Eduave, he is deemed ipso jure the owner of that portion which corresponds to the length of his property along the margin of the river. If however, the riparian owner fails to assert his claim thereof, the same may yield to the adverse possession of the third parties, as indeed even accretion to land titled under the Torrens system must itself still be registered. Dodong thus may acquire said land by acquisitive prescription. But here, Dodong’s possession cannot be considered to be in good faith, so 30 years of possession is needed. (Jagualing v. CA, G.R. No. 94283, March 4, 1991)

Q: What are the requisites of avulsion? A: CAP 1. Transfer is caused by the Current of a river, creek, or torrent. 2. Transfer is sudden or Abrupt 3. The Portion of the land transported is known or identifiable. Q: What if land from one tenement is transferred to another by forces of nature other than the river current? A: By analogy, it can still be considered as an avulsion. Q: What is the rule on acquisition of titles over an avulsion? A: GR: Original owner retains title.

Note: There is no accession when islands are formed by the branching of a river; the owner retains ownership of the isolated piece of land.

XPNs: The owner must remove (not merely claim) the transported portion within 2 years to retain ownership, otherwise, the land not removed shall belong to the owner of the land to which it has been adjudicated in case of: 1. Abandonment; or 2. Expiration of 2 years, whether the failure to remove be voluntary or involuntary, and irrespective of the area of the portion known to have been transferred.

BY OBJECT REAL OR IMMOVABLE Q: What are the categories of immovable property? A: Real Property by: NIDA 1. Nature – Those which cannot be carried from place to place 2. Incorporation – Those which are attached to an immovable in a fixed manner and considered as an integral part thereof, irrespective of its ownership 3. Destination – Things placed in buildings or on lands by the owner of the immovable or his agent in such a manner that it reveals the intention to attach them permanently thereto 4. Analogy – Classified by express provision of law.

ISLANDS Q: What are the rules on ownership with regard to formation of islands? A: LOCATION OWNER If formed on the sea W/in territorial waters

State

Outside territorial waters First country to occupy If formed on lakes or navigable/ floatable rivers State If formed on non-navigable/ floatable rivers Nearer in margin to one Owner of nearer margin is bank the sole owner Island divided longitudinally If equidistant in halves

IMMOVABLE BY NATURE & INCORPORATION Par. 1, Art. 415. Land, buildings, roads and constructions of all kinds adhered to the soil. Q: Are barong-barongs immovable property? A: No. They are not permanent structures but mere superimpositions on land.

Q: Eduave is the owner of land forming part of an island in a non-navigable river. Said land was eroded due to a UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

100

PROPERTY Q: Where buildings are sold to be demolished immediately, are the buildings immovable or movable?

timber, they are still not considered as personal property because timber is an integral part of the timber land.

A: The sale involves movable property. What are really sold are the materials.

IMMOVABLE BY INCORPORATION Par. 3, Art. 415. Everything attached to an immovable in a fixed manner, in such a way that it cannot be separated therefrom without breaking the material or deterioration of the object.

Q: What is the effect of demolition of a house? A: Once a house is demolished, its character as an immovable ceases. This is because a house is classified as an immovable property by reason of its adherence to the soil on which it is built (Bicerra v. Teneza, G.R. No. L-16218, November 29, 1962).

Q: What is res vinta? A: These are immovables by incorporation, which when separated from the immovable, regain their condition as movable.

Q: May a building be mortgaged apart from the land on which it was built?

IMMOVABLE BY INCORPORATION & BY DESTINATION A: Yes. While it is true that a mortgage of land necessarily includes, in the absence of stipulation of the improvements thereon, buildings, still a building by itself may be mortgaged apart from the land on which it has been built. Such a mortgage would still be a real estate mortgage for the building would still be considered immovable property even if dealt with separately and apart from the land (Yee v. Strong Machinery Company, G.R. No. 11658, February15, 1918).

Par. 4, Art. 415. Statutes, reliefs, paintings or other objects for use or ornamentation, placed in buildings or on lands by the owner of the immovable in such a manner that it reveals the intention to attach them permanently to the tenements.

Q: Can a building erected on a land belonging to another be mortgaged?

Q: What do you mean by “placed by the owner”? A: The objects must be placed by the owner of the immovable and not necessarily the owner of the object.

A: Yes. A valid real estate mortgage can be constituted. Art. 415 of the New Civil Code mentions “buildings” separate from land. This means that the building by itself is an immovable and may be subject of a REM (Prudential Bank v. Panis, G.R. No. L-50008, August 31, 1987).

Q: Distinguish Par. 3 from Par. 4. A: PAR. 3 Cannot be separated from the immovable without breaking or deterioration

Q: Is the annotation or inscription of a deed of sale of real property in a chattel mortgage registry considered an inscription in the registry of real property? A: No. By its express terms, the Chattel Mortgage Law contemplates and makes provisions for mortgages of personal property; and the sole purpose and object of the chattel mortgage registry is to provide for the registry of “Chattel mortgages,” that is to say, mortgages of personal property executed in the manner and form prescribed in the statute. (Yee v. Strong Machinery Co, G.R. No. L-11658, February 15, 1918)

Need not be placed by the owner Real property by incorporation

Par. 5, Art. 415. Machinery, receptacles, instruments or implements intended by the owner of the tenement for an industry or works which may be carried on in a building or on a piece of land & which tend directly to meet the needs of the said industry or works.

Par. 2, Art. 415. Trees, plants and growing fruits, while they are attached to the land or form an integral part of an immovable. Q: Are trees immovable or movable?

Q: What are the requisites for machinery to be considered real property?

A: 1. 2.

PAR. 4 Can be separated from the immovable without breaking or deterioration. Must be placed by the owner of the immovable, or by his agent whether express or implied Real property by incorporation and destination

Real property by nature - if they are spontaneous products of the soil Real property by incorporation - If they have been planted thru cultivation or labor

A: COTE 1. The industry or work must be Carried on in a building or on a piece of land; 2. The machinery must: a. Be placed by the Owner of the tenement or his agent;

Note: The moment trees are detached or uprooted from the land it is considered as personal property. However, in case of uprooted

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CIVIL LAW b. c.

Tend directly to meet the needs of the said industry or work; and Be Essential and principal to the industry or work, and not merely incidental thereto.

by destination because they are essential and principal elements in the industry. Petitioners argue that said machines are real properties pursuant to Art. 415 (5) of the NCC and are not, therefore, the proper subjects of a Writ of Seizure. However, the lease agreement entered into by the petitioners provides that the machines in question are to be considered as personal property. How should the machines be classified?

Q: Is machinery placed by a tenant or by a usufructuary considered real property? A: No. Since it is placed by a person having only a temporary right, it does not become immobilized.

A: That machines should be deemed personal property pursuant to the Lease Agreement—is good only insofar as the contracting persons are concerned. Hence, while the parties are bound by the Lease Agreement, third persons acting in good faith are not affected by its stipulation characterizing the subject machinery as personal (Serg’s Products, Inc. v. PCI Leasing and Finance, Inc., 338 SCRA 504, August 22, 2000).

Note: Where a tenant places the machinery under the express provision of lease that it shall become a part of the land belonging to the owner upon the termination of the lease without compensation to the lessee, the tenant acts as an agent of the owner and the immobilization of the machineries arises from the act of the owner in giving by contract a permanent destination to the machinery (Valdez v. Central Altagracia, 225 U.S. 58, 1912).

Q: How is the equipment of a transportation business classified?

Q: Manila Petroleum Co. (MPC) owned and operated a petroleum operation facility off the coast of Manila. The facility was located on a floating platform made of wood and metal, upon which was permanently attached the heavy equipment for the petroleum operations and living quarters of the crew. The floating platform likewise contained a garden area, where trees, plants and flowers were painted. The platform was tethered to a ship, the MV101, which was anchored to a seabed.

A: A transportation business is not carried on in a building or on a specified land. Hence, equipment destined only to repair or service a transportation business may not be deemed real property, but personal property (Mindanao Bus Co. v. City Assessor and Treasurer, G.R. No. L-17870, September 29, 1962). Note: Machines must be essential and principal elements in the industry and must directly meet the needs of said industry. It does not include movables which are merely incidentals, without which the business can still continue or carry on their functions.

a. Is the platform movable or immovable property? A: The platform is an immovable property by destination. It was intended by the owner to remain at a fixed place on a river or coast. Art. 415 (9) of the NCC considers as real property “docks and structures which, though floating are intended by their nature and object to remain at a fixed place on a river, lake, or coasts” (2007 Bar Question; Fels Energy, Inc. v. The Province of Batangas, G.R. No. 168557, February 16, 2007).

Q: Are machineries bolted or cemented on real property mortgaged considered an immovable property? A: No. The fact that machineries were bolted or cemented on real property mortgaged does not make them ipso facto immovable under Art. 415 (3) and (5) as the parties intent has to be looked into.

b. Are the equipment and living quarters movable or immovable property? (2007 Bar Question)

Q: Can parties treat an immovable property by nature as a chattel?

A: With respect to the equipment, the same is real property under paragraph 5 of Art. 415, NCC. It is intended to meet the needs of the industry being undertaken by MPC. The equipment partakes of the nature of the immovable upon which it has been placed.

A: Yes. Even if the properties appear to be immovable by nature, nothing detracts the parties from treating them as chattels to secure an obligation under the principle of estoppel (Tsai v. CA, G.R. No. 120098, October 2, 2001). Q: What is the effect of temporary separation of movables from the immovables to which they are attached?

The living quarters, if attached to the immovable platform with permanence, becomes an immovable as well. Permanence means they cannot be separated without destroying the platform or the quarters. On the other hand, if the attachment is not permanent, or not merely superimposed on the platform, then the living quarters are movable property.

A: 2 views 1. They continue to be regarded as immovables. 2. Fact of separation determines the condition of the objects thus recovering their condition as movables.

c. Are the trees, plants and flowers immovable or movable property? (2007 Bar Question)

Q: Petitioners contend that the machines that were the subjects of the Writ of Seizure were placed in the factory built on their own land. Indisputably, they were essential and principal elements of their chocolate making industry. Hence, although each of them was movable or personal property on its own, all of them have become immobilized UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

A: The trees, plants and flowers are also immovable, having been “planted” in the garden area, under Art. 415 (2) which provides that “Trees, plants and growing fruits, while they

102

PROPERTY are attached to the land or form an integral part of the immovable” are likewise immovable property. Q: The City Assessor sought to impose realty tax on steel towers of MERALCO. The taxes were paid under protest, MERALCO contending that the towers were exempt from taxation and that they were personal and not real properties. Decide.

a. b. c.

Private persons, either individually or collectively; and The State in its private capacity (patrimonial property) The LGUs: i. Property for public use – roads, streets, squares, fountains, public waters, promenades and public works for public service paid for by the LGUs ii. Patrimonial Property – all other properties possessed by LGUs without prejudice to special laws. (Art. 419)

A: The towers are personal properties. They are not buildings adhered to the soil (Art. 415 par. 1); they are not attached to an immovable in a fixed manner and they can be separated without substantial damage or deterioration, and they are not machineries intended for works on the land (Board of Assessment Appeals v. Meralco, G.R. No. L15334, January 31, 1964).

Note: Sacred and religious objects are considered outside the commerce of man. They are neither public nor private party.

PERSONAL OR MOVABLE

PUBLIC DOMINION

Q: What are movable properties?

Q: What are the kinds of property of public dominion?

A: SOFTSS 1. Movables Susceptible of appropriation which are not included in Art. 415; 2. Real property which by any Special provision of law considers as personalty e.g. growing crops under the Chattel Mortgage Law. 3. Forces of nature which are brought under the control of science e.g. electricity generated by electric powers, solar light for batteries power. 4. In general, all things which can be Transported from place to place without impairment of the real property to which they are fixed; 5. Obligations and actions which have for their object movables or demandable sums; and 6. Shares of stock of agricultural, commercial and industrial entities, although they have real estate. (Art. 416)

A: Properties which are: USD 1. For public Use; 2. Intended for public Service and not for public use; and 3. For the Development of the national wealth. (Art. 420)

Q: What are the characteristics of properties of public dominion? A: ULEP- ROB 1. In general, they can be Used by everybody; 2. Cannot be Levied upon by execution or attachment; 3. May Either be real or personal property; 4. Cannot be acquired by Prescription; 5. Cannot be Registered under Land Registration Law and be the subject of Torrens Title; 6. Outside the commerce of man – cannot be alienated or leased or be subject of any contract; 7. Cannot be Burdened by voluntary easement.

Q: State the tests to determine whether a property is a movable property. A: MES 1. Test of Exclusion – Everything not included in Art. 415, e.g. ships or vessels or interest in a business 2. By reason of a Special law – Immovable by nature but movable for the purpose of the special law, e.g. Growing crops for purposes of the Chattel Mortgage Law 3. Test of Mobility – If the property is capable of being carried from place to place without injuring the real property to which it may in the meantime be attached

Q: How are lands of public dominion classified? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

BY OWNER

2.

(Art.

XIV,

Sec.

10,

Philippine

Q: Who has the authority to classify or reclassify public lands?

Q: How are properties classified according to ownership? A: 1.

Agricultural; Forest or timber; Mineral lands; National Parks. Constitution)

A: As provided in the Public Land Act, the classification or reclassification of public lands into alienable or disposable, mineral or forest lands is a prerogative of the executive department of the government and not of the courts.

Public dominion - Property owned by the State (or its political subdivisions) in its public or sovereign capacity and intended for public use Private ownership – Property owned by:

Q: Can property of public dominion be converted to patrimonial property?

103


CIVIL LAW A: Yes, through a formal declaration by the executive or legislative body that the property is no longer needed for public use or for public service.

A: LGU cannot withdraw a public street from public use, unless it has been granted such authority by law (Dacanay v. Asistio Jr., G.R. No. 93654, May 6, 1992).

A: The property is patrimonial and not subject to legislative control. It is property of the city, purchased with private funds and not devoted to public use (it is for profit). It is therefore patrimonial under the Civil Code. Nor can the system be considered “public works for public service” under Art. 424 because such classification is qualified by ejusdem generis; it must be of the same character as the preceding items. (City of Cebu v. NAWASA, G.R. No. 12892, April 20, 1960)

PRIVATE OWNERSHIP

BY NATURE

Q: Do LGUs have the power to withdraw a public street from public use?

Q: What are properties in private ownership of private persons or entities?

Q: How are consumability?

A: All properties not belonging to the State or its political subdivision are properties of private ownership pertaining to private persons, either individually or collectively.

A: 1.

Q: What is the patrimonial property of the State?

2.

A: It is the property not devoted to public use, public service, or the development of the national wealth. It is intended rather for the attainment of the economic ends of the State, that is, for subsistence. It is owned by the State in its private or proprietary capacity.

properties

classified

according

to

Consumable property – That which cannot be used according to its nature without being consumed or being eaten or used up Non-Consumable property – That which can be used according to its nature without being consumed or being eaten or used up.

Note: It may be disposed of by the State in the same manner that private individuals dispose of their own property subject, however, to administrative laws and regulations.

Q: How are properties classified according to susceptibility to substitution?

Q: Where do properties for public service and properties for the development of national wealth fall?

A: 1.

A: Public service – depends on who pays for the service.

2.

If paid for by the political subdivision, public; if for profit, patrimonial.

Note: As to whether a property is fungible or non-fungible is determined by the agreement of the parties and not on the consumability of the thing.

National wealth – still property for public use under the regalian doctrine

OWNERSHIP

Q: Are canals constructed by private persons within private lands are of public dominion or of private ownership?

RIGHTS IN GENERAL Q: What is ownership?

A: Art. 420 states that canals constructed by the State are of public ownership; conversely, canals constructed by private persons within private lands are of private ownership (Santos v. Moreno, G.R. No. L-15829, December4, 1967).

A: The juridical relation of a person over a thing by virtue of which said person has the exclusive power or authority to receive all the benefits and advantages arising from said thing, save those restricted by law or the recognized rights of others.

Q: The City of Cebu obtained a loan which was to be paid with its own funds. Part of the proceeds of this loan was used to fund the construction of the City’s sewage system. NAWASA sought to expropriate the sewage system. This was opposed with the arguments that there was no payment of just compensation; NAWASA offered unliquidated assets and liabilities. NAWASA averred, as an alternative course of action, that the property is one for public use and under the control of the legislature. Decide whether the property is patrimonial property of the city or property for public use. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Fungible property – That property which belongs to a common genus permitting its substitution Non- fungible property – That property which is specified and not subject to substitution

Q: What are the kinds of ownership? A: FNSC 1. Full ownership – Includes all the rights of an owner; Note: Naked ownership + Usufruct

2.

Naked ownership – Ownership where the rights to the use and to the fruits have been denied; Note: Full ownership – Usufruct

104

PROPERTY Q: What is accion interdictal? 3.

4.

Sole ownership – Ownership is vested in only one person;

A: A summary action to recover physical or material possession only and it must be brought within one year from the time the cause of action arises. 1. Forcible Entry 2. Unlawful detainer

Co-ownership– Ownership is vested in 2 or more persons. There is Unity of the property, and plurality of the subjects.

Q: What are the characteristics of ownership?

Q: What is accion publiciana?

A: 1.

A: An ordinary civil proceeding to recover the better right of possession, except in cases of forcible entry and unlawful detainer. What is involved here is not possession de facto but possession de jure.

2.

3. 4. 5.

Elastic – Power/s may be reduced and thereafter automatically recovered upon the cessation of the limiting rights. General – The right to make use of all the possibilities or utility of the thing owned, except those attached to other real rights existing thereon. Exclusive –There may be two or more owners, but only one ownership. Independent – Other rights are not necessary for its existence. Perpetual – Ownership lasts as long as the thing exists. It cannot be extinguished by nonuser but only by adverse possession.

Q: What is accion reinvindicatoria? A: An action to recover real property based on ownership. Here, the object is the recovery of the dominion over the property as owner. Q: What are the requisites of accion reinvindicatoria? A: 1. 2.

Note: Where the facts averred in the complaint reveals that the action is neither one of forcible entry nor unlawful detainer but essentially involves a boundary dispute, the same must be resolved in an accion reinvindicatoria (Sarmiento v. CA, G.R. No. 116192, November 16, 1995).

BUNDLE OF RIGHTS PERSONAL OR MOVABLE JUS UTENDI, FRUENDI, ABUTENDI, VINDICANDI, DISPODENDI, POSSIDENDI, ACCESIONES

Q: A contract of lease executed by Alava (lessor) and Anita Lao (lessee) was not registered with the Register of Deeds. Aside from Anita, Rudy Lao also leased a portion of the same property where he put up his business. At that time, Rudy knew that Anita and her husband were the owners of the said building. He also knew that she had leased that portion of the property, and that Jaime Lao, their son, managed and maintained the building, as well as the business thereon. Rudy eventually purchased the entire property from Alava. Rudy then filed a complaint for unlawful detainer against Jaime alleging that the latter had occupied a portion of his property without any lease agreement and without paying any rentals, and prayed that an order be rendered directing Jaime to vacate the premises. Should the complaint be dismissed?

Q: What are the attributes of ownership? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Right to enjoy (jus utendi) Right to the fruits (jus fruendi) Right to abuse (jus abutendi) Right to dispose (jus dispodendi) Right to recover (jus vindicandi) Right to accessories (jus accessiones) Right to possess (jus possidendi) REMEDIES TO RECOVER POSSESSION

ACTIONS TO RECOVER OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION OF REAL PROPERTY

A: Yes. The records in this case show that the respondent has been in possession of the property in question, not by mere tolerance or generosity of Rudy, but as the manager of his mother, who conducted her business in the building which stood on a portion of the property leased from Alava. Jaime’s possession was in behalf of his mother, and not in his own right.

Q: What are the legal remedies to recover possession of one’s property? A: 1. 2.

Identity of property Plaintiff’s title to the property

Personal property- Replevin Real property a. Accion Interdictal i. Forcible Entry ii. Unlawful detainer b. Accion Publiciana c. Accion Reinvindicatoria

Q: What is the effect of non-registration of the contract of lease? A: Although the lease contract was not filed with the Register of Deeds, nevertheless, Rudy was bound by the terms and conditions of said contract. The lease, in effect became a part of the contract of sale. However, Rudy had

DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN ACCION REIVINDICATORIA, ACCION PUBLICIANA, ACCION INTERDICTAL

105


CIVIL LAW no cause of action for unlawful detainer against Anita because of the subsisting contract of lease; hence, he could not file the complaint against her (Lao v. Lao, G.R. No. 149599, May 16, 2000).

A: No. A property validly deposited in custodia legis cannot be subject of a replevin suit (Calub v. CA, G.R. No. 115634, Apr. 27, 2000). REQUISITES FOR RECOVERY OF PROPERTY

DISTINCTION BETWEEN FORCIBLE ENTRY AND UNLAWFUL DETAINER

Q: What are the requisites in an action to recover property?

Q: Distinguish forcible entry from unlawful detainer. A:

A:

1. Forcible Entry

Unlawful Detainer

As to when possession became unlawful Possession is inceptively lawful but becomes illegal from the time defendant unlawfully withholds after the Possession of the defendant possession is unlawful from the expiration or termination of beginning as he acquired his right thereto. possession by force, The question of intimidation, strategy, threat Note: possession is primordial, while or stealth (FISTS).

Note: Burden of proof lies on the party who asserts the affirmative of an issue. The description should be so definite that an officer of the court might ho to the locality where the land is situated and definitely locate it.

2.

the issue of ownership is generally unessential in unlawful detainer (Rosa Rica Sales Center v. Sps. Ong, G.R. 132197, August 16, 2005).

As to necessity of demand

Q: Why is the plaintiff not allowed to rely on the weakness of defendant’s title? A: 1.

As to necessity of proof of prior physical possession Plaintiff need not have been in prior physical possession.

2.

Note: The fact that petitioners are in possession of the lot does not automatically entitle them to remain in possession (Ganilla v. CA, G.R. No. 150755, June 28, 2005).

3.

4.

As to when 1 year period is counted from 1 year period is generally 1 year period is counted counted from the date of from the date of last actual entry of the land. demand or last letter of demand.

Possibility that neither the plaintiff nor the defendant is the true owner of the property. In which case, the defendant who is in possession will be preferred. One in possession is presumed to be the owner and he cannot be obliged to show or prove a better title Possessor in the concept of an owner is presumed to be in good faith and he cannot be expected to be carrying every now and then his proofs of ownership over the property He who relies on the existence of a fact, should prove that fact. If he cannot prove, the defendant does not have to prove. DISTINCTION BETWEEN REAL AND PERSONAL RIGHTS

Q: Distinguish real from personal rights

ACTIONS FOR RECOVERY OF POSSESSION OF MOVABLE PROPERTY

A: Real Right

Personal Right Creation

Q: What is replevin?

Created by title alone It is not directly created Created by both title and over a thing but is mode directly over a thing exercised through another against whom the action is to be brought. Object

A: It is the remedy when the complaint prays for the recovery of the possession of personal property. Q: May a property in custodia legis be subject of a replevin suit?


Prove that he has a better title than the defendant a. Best proof is a Torrens certificate. b. Tax receipts, tax declarations are only prima facie evidence of ownership; it is rebuttable.

Note: Plaintiff’s title must be founded on positive right or title and not merely on the lack or inefficiency of the defendant’s title. In other words, he shall not be permitted to rely upon the defects of the defendant’s title. (Art. 434)

No previous demand for the Demand is jurisdictional if defendant to vacate is the ground is non-payment necessary. of rentals or failure to comply with the lease contract. Plaintiff must prove that he was in prior physical possession of the premises until he was deprived thereof by the defendant.

Clearly identify the land he is claiming in accordance with the title/s on which he bases his right of ownership; and

106

PROPERTY a.

Incorporeal or intangible. Object covers all the present and future property of the debtor. (Art. 2236) Subjects (a) One definite active subject (e.g. owner) (b) One indefinite passive subject (a) An active subject which is the whole (creditor) world (b) A definite passive Right of pursuit is subject (debtor) therefore available. Real right follows its object in the hands of any possessor Enforceability Enforceable only against the original debtor or his Enforceable against the transferee charged with whole world notice of the personal rights Limit Limited by usefulness, value No such limitation or productivity of the thing Extinguishment Not so extinguished. Claim Extinguished by loss or for damages may still be destruction of the thing pursued-in case of loss or destruction of the thing Generally corporeal or tangible. Object is specific property or thing.

7.

8.

Prohibition against the acquisition of private lands by aliens. Acts in state of necessity – The law permits injury or destruction of things owned by another provided this is necessary to avert a greater danger (with right to indemnity v. principle of unjust enrichment) True owner must resort to judicial process – When thing is in possession of another; law creates a disputable presumption of ownership to those in actual possession ACCESSION

Q: Define accession. Is accession a mode of acquiring ownership? A: Accession may be defined as the right pertaining to the owner of a thing over everything which is produced thereby, or which is incorporated or attached thereto, either naturally or artificially (Art. 440). From the very definition itself, it is clear that it is not a mode of acquiring ownership; it is merely a consequence of the right of ownership. Furthermore, under Art. 712 of the NCC which enumerates the different modes of acquiring ownership or other real rights, accession is not included. GENERAL RULES FOR IMMOVABLES ACCESSION DISCRETA Q: What is accession discreta? A: It is the right pertaining to the owner of a thing over everything produced thereby.

LIMITATIONS Q: What are the limitations on the right of ownership?

Q: What are the requisites of accession discreta?

A: Those imposed by the: CC-SLOG 1. State in the exercise of: a. Power of taxation b. Police power c. Power of eminent domain 2. Law a. Legal easements (i.e., easements of waters and of right of way) and b. The requirement of legitime in succession; 3. Owner himself a. Voluntary easement b. Mortgage c. Pledge d. Lease; 4. Grantor of the property on the grantee, either by: a. Contract b. Donation or c. Will; 5. Those arising from Conflicts of private rights a. Those which take place in accession continua; 6. Constitution

A: 1. 2. 3.

Increase or addition to the original thing At repeated intervals By inherent forces

Q: Is the rule of accession discreta—that to the owner of the thing belong the natural, industrial and civil fruits— absolute in character? A: No. It is subject to the following exceptions: 1. If the thing is in possession of a possessor in good faith in which case such possessor is entitled to the fruits. (Art. 544) 2. If the thing is subject to a usufruct, in which case the usufructuary is entitled to the fruits. (Art. 566) 3. If the thing is leased, in which case the lessee is entitled to the fruits of the thing, although such lessee must pay the owner rentals which are in the nature of civil fruits. (Art. 1654) 4. If the thing is in possession of an antichretic creditor, in which case such creditor is entitled to the fruits with the obligation of applying them to the interest and principal. (Art. 2132)

107


CIVIL LAW ACCESSION CONTINUA Q: What are the kinds of fruits? A: NIC 1.

2.

3.

Q: What is accession continua? Natural – a. Spontaneous products of the soil; b. The young and c. Other products of animals, whether brought about by scientific means or not. Industrial– produced by lands of any kind through: a. Cultivation or b. Labor Civil fruits – a. Derived from the use of property or b. Income from the property itself. They consist of rents of buildings and the prices of leases of lands. (Art. 442)

A: It is the right pertaining to the owner of a thing over everything incorporated or attached thereto either naturally or artificially; by external forces. 1. With respect to real property [IN] a. Accession Industrial (building, planting or sowing) b. Accession Natural (alluvium, avulsion, change of a river course, and formation of islands) Note: In case of uprooted trees, the owner retains ownership if he makes a claim within 6 months. This does not include trees which remain planted on a known portion on land carried by the force of the waters. In this latter case, the trees are regarded as accessions of the land through gradual changes in the course of adjoining stream. (Payatas v. Tuazon, No. 30067, March 23, 1929)

Q: When can we say that the fruit is in existence? A: It depends on the type of fruit: 1. Annual (must be planted every year/must re-plant after harvest; rice, wheat, corn) – deemed manifest the moment their seedlings appear. 2. Perennial (only planted once and bear fruit for several seasons; mango and coconut trees) –deemed to exist only when they actually appear.

2.

Q: What are the basic principles in accession continua?

Q: When are animal young considered as existing?

A: BADONG-E 1. He who is in Bad faith is liable for damages. 2. Accessory follows the principal 3. Union or incorporation must generally be effected in such a manner that to separate the principal from the accessory would result in substantial Damage to either or diminish its value. 4. To the Owner of the thing belongs the extension or increases to such thing. 5. Bad faith of one party Neutralizes the bad faith of the other so that they shall be considered in good faith. 6. He who is in Good faith may be held responsible but not penalized. 7. No one shall unjustly Enrich himself at the expense of another.

A: They are considered existing even if still in the maternal womb. They should be considered existing only at the commencement of the maximum ordinary period for gestation. Q: When are civil fruits and natural fruits deemed to exist? A: a. b.

Civil fruits accrue daily and are considered personal property and may be pro-rated. Natural and industrial fruits, while still growing, are considered as real property; ordinarily, they cannot be pro-rated.

Q: To whom do the fruits belong? A: GR: To the owner of the land. (Art. 441)

1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

ACCESSION INDUSTRIAL

XPNS: If the thing is: [PULPA] In possession of a possessor in good faith (Art 546, NCC); before the possession is legally interrupted. Subject to a Usufruct (Art. 566) Lease of rural land Pledged (Art. 1680 and Art. 2102, par. 7); pledge is entitled to the fruits but has the obligation to compensate or set-off what he receives with those which are owing to him. In possession of an Antichretic creditor (Art. 2132)

Q: What are the maxims in connection with accession industrial? A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: What does the maxim pratus sequitor ventrem mean?

The accessory follows the principal. The accessory follows the nature of that to which it relates. What is built upon the land goes with it; or the land is the principal, and whatever is built on it becomes the accessory.

Q: What is the rule on ownership regarding accession industrial?

A: The offspring follows the dam (mother). UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

With respect to personal property [SAC] a. Specification b. Adjunction or conjunction c. Commixtion or confusion

108

PROPERTY A: GR: The owner of the land is the owner of whatever is built, planted or sown on that land, including the improvements or repairs made thereon.

they form a single object and each of the things united preserves its own nature. (Art. 466) Q: What are its characteristics?

XPNS: 1. 2.

A: That there are: 2BUS 1. 2 movables; 2. Belonging to different owners; 3. United forming a single object; 4. Separation would impair their nature or result in substantial injury to either thing.

When the doer is in good faith the rule is modified. Improvements on the land of one of the spouses at the expense of the conjugal partnership will belong to the partnership or to the spouse who owns the land depending on which of the two properties has a higher value (Art. 120, FC)

Q: What are the classes of adjunction or conjunction?

Note: If the doer is in bad faith, he is entitled only to necessary expenses for the preservation of the land.

A: PEWWS 1. Painting (pintura) 2. Engraftment - Like setting a precious stone on a golden ring) 3. Writing (escritura) 4. Weaving 5. Soldering- Joining a piece of metal to another metal) a. Ferruminacion - Principal and accessory are of the same metal b. Plumbatura – Different metals (Art. 468)

ACCESSION NATURAL Q: To whom does the offspring of animals belong when the male and female belong to different owners?

Q: Who owns the movables subject to adjunction? A: The owner of the principal by law becomes owner of the resulting object and should indemnify the owner of the accessories for the values thereof.

A: Under the Partidas, the owner of the female was considered also the owner of the young, unless there is a contrary custom or speculation.

Q: What are the tests to determine the principal?

The legal presumption, in the absence of proof to the contrary, is that the calf, as well as its mother belongs to the owner of the latter, by the right of accretion (US v. Caballero, G.R. No. 8608, September 26, 1913).

A: VVUM 1. That of greater Value- If two things are of equal value. (Art. 468) 2. That of greater Volume- If two things are of equal volume. (Art. 468) 3. That to which the other has been United as an ornament, or for its use or perfection- If it cannot be determined from Art. 467. (Art. 467) 4. That which has greater Merits, utility and volume if things.

Note: This is also in accord with the maxim “pratus sequitor ventrem.”

FOR MOVABLES ACCESSION CONTINUA Q: What is the basic principle of accession with respect to movable property?

Q: How is ownership determined if the adjunction involves three or more things?

A: Accession exists only if separation is not feasible. Otherwise, separation may be demanded.

A: The court should first distinguish the principal and apply Art. 466 in an equitable manner such that the principal acquires the accessory, indemnifying the former owner thereof for its value.

Q: Enumerate different kinds of accession continua as regard movables.

Q: How about if the adjunction involves three or more things?

A: AMS 1. Adjunction or conjunction 2. Mixture 3. Specification

A: The principal should first be distinguished, after, Art. 466 will be applied in an equitable manner, such that the principal acquires the accessory, indemnifying the former owner thereof for its value.

Q: What is adjunction? A: The process by virtue of which two movable things belonging to different owners are united in such a way that

Note: Art. 466 states that “Whenever two movable things belonging to different owners are, without bad faith, united in such

109


CIVIL LAW a way that they form a single object, the owner of the principal thing acquires the accessory, indemnifying the former owner thereof for its value.”

A: COM-CON 1. Commixtion – mixture of solids 2. Confusion – liquids

Q: When is separation of things allowed?

Q: What are the rules regarding mixtures?

A: WIB 1. Separation Without injury 2. Separation with Injury – Accessory is much more precious than the principal, the owner of the former may demand its separation even though the principal may suffer injury. 3. Owner of the principal acted in Bad faith. (Art. 469)

A: st

nd

1 Owner

2 Owner

By Will of Both Owners of by Accident Good Faith 1. 2.

Q: What are the rules as regards rights of owners over the thing in adjunction? A:

Good Faith

Right is subject to stipulations; OR Right is in proportion to the part belonging to him (Co-ownership arises) By Will of Only 1 Owner/ By Chance

OWNER OF THE PRINCIPLE Good Faith 1.

Acquire accessory and pay owner of the accessory for its value; OR 2. Demand separation provided the thing suffers no injury

OWNER OF THE ACCESSORY

Good Faith

Good Faith 1. Receive payment for value of accessory; OR 2. GR: Demand separation provided the thing suffers no injury XPN: If accessory is more precious than principal, he may demand separation w/ or w/o injury to the thing

Good Faith

1. Have the things separated provided the thing suffers no injury; OR 2. If cannot be separated w/o injury, acquire interest on mixture in proportion to his part (coownership) Bad Faith (caused the mixture)

Good Faith

st

nd

1 owner will lose his part on 2 owner will acquire the mixture and pay damages entire mixture and nd to the 2 owner entitled to damages

Good Faith Bad Faith Acquire accessory w/o Lose accessory and pay paying the owner of damages accessory and entitled to damages Bad Faith Good Faith 1. Pay value of 1. Receive payment accessory and pay and damages; OR damages; OR 2. Have the things Have accessory separated, even though 2. separated w/ or w/o injury there is injury to the to principal and receive principal and pay damages damages Bad Faith Bad Faith Same as though both acted in good faith

Bad Faith

Good Faith (caused the mixture)

As if both acted in GF, because nd the 2 owner in GF was the one who caused the st ratification, because the 1 owner

As if both acted in GF, st since the 1 owner is in nd BF and the 2 owner who caused the mixture in GF in a way ratifies the BF of st 1 owner.

Q: What is a specification? A: It is the giving of new form to another’s material thru application of labor. The material undergoes a transformation or change of identity. Q: What are the respective rights of the maker and the owner of the materials in specification?

Q: How is the indemnity made?

A: A: 1. 2.

Delivery of a thing equal in kind and value; or Payment of its price including the sentimental value. (Art. 471)

Owner of Materials (OM)

Good Faith

Good Faith

GR: Appropriate the thing transformed and pay the owner of the materials for Receive payment for value of its value materials XPN: If the material is more precious than the thing transformed, the owner of the materials has

Q: What is a mixture? A: It is the combination of materials where the respective identities of the component elements are lost either voluntarily or by chance. (Arts. 472-473) Q: What are the kinds of mixtures? UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Maker (M)

110

PROPERTY Secondary Factors 1. The one which has a greater value shall be considered principal 2. If they have equal value, the one with greater volume shall be considered principal (Art. 467468.

the option to: 1. Acquire the work and indemnify the maker for his labor; or 2. Demand indemnity for the material Good Faith

Note: In painting and sculpture, writings, printed matter, engraving and lithographs, the board, metal, stone, canvas, paper or parchment shall be deemed the accessory thing. (Art. 468)

Good Faith

1. Receive payment for 1. Appropriate new value of his work; OR thing and pay the maker for 2. Appropriate the new the work; OR thing and pay the owner 2. Receive payment for of materials for its value value of materials Bad Faith

QUIETING OF TITLE Q: What is an action for quieting of title?

Good Faith

A: It is a proceeding in equity, the purpose of which is the declaration of the invalidity of a claim on a title or the invalidity of an interest in property adverse to that of the plaintiff, and thereafter to free the plaintiff and all those claiming under him from any hostile claim thereon. (Pineda, p. 191)

1. Lose the new thing and 1. Appropriate the new thing pay damages to owner without paying and receive of the materials; OR damages; OR

2. Pay value of materials and damages to owner of the materials

Note: Not available if the new thing is more valuable than materials for scientific or artistic reasons

Note: An action to quiet title is quasi in rem - an action in personam concerning real property where judgment therein is enforceable only against the defeated party and his privies.

2. Receive payment for the value of materials and damages

Q: What are the properties that can be subject of an action for quieting of title?

Q: Distinguish adjunction, mixture and specification.

A: Only real properties could be the subject matter of quieting of title. Art. 476 makes reference only to real property without hinting to include personal property. (Pineda, p. 192)

A: ADJUNCTION

MIXTURE

SPECIFICATION

Involves at least 2 Involves at least 2 things things

May involve 1 thing(or more) but form is changed

Accessory follows the principal

Co-ownership results

Accessory follows the principal

Things joined retain their nature

Things mixed or confused may either retain or lose their respective natures

The new object retains or preserves the nature of the original object

REQUIREMENTS Q: What are the requisites for an action to quiet title? A: LCDR 1. Plaintiff must have a Legal or equitable title to, or interest in the real property which is the subject matter of the action; 2. There must be Cloud in such title; 3. Such cloud must be Due to some a. Instrument; b. Record; c. Claim; d. Encumbrance; or e. Proceeding which is apparently valid but is in truth invalid, ineffective, voidable or unenforceable, and is prejudicial to the plaintiff’s title; and 4. Plaintiff must a. Return to the defendant all benefits he may have received from the latter; or b. reimburse him for expenses that may have redounded to his benefit.

RULES FOR DETERMINING THE PRINCIPAL AND ACCESSORY Q: What are the factors to determine the principal and the accessory? A: Primary Factors (Importance/purpose) 1. The thing which is incorporated to another thing as an ornament is the accessory. The other is the principal 2. The thing to which is added to or joined to another for the use or perfection of the latter is the accessory. The other is the principal.

Q: What are the reasons for quieting of title? A: 1.

111

Prevent future litigation on the ownership of the property


CIVIL LAW 2. 3. 4.

Protect true title & possession To protect the Real interest of both parties To determine and make known the precise state of title for the guidance of all

Q: State the rules in actions for Quieting of Title. A: 1.

2. 3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

These put an end to vexatious litigation in respect to property involved; plaintiff asserts his own estate & generally declares that defendant’s claim is without foundation Remedial in nature Not suits in rem nor personam but suits against a particular person or persons in respect to the res (quasi in rem) May not be brought for the purpose of settling a boundary disputes. Applicable to real property or any interest therein. The law, however, does not exclude personal property from actions to quiet title. An action to quiet title brought by the person in possession of the property is IMPRESCRIPTIBLE. If he is not in possession, he must invoke his remedy within the prescriptive period.

ACTION TO QUIET TITLE

ACTION TO REMOVE CLOUD ON TITLE

To put an end to troublesome litigation with respect to the property involved

For the removal of a possible foundation for a future hostile claim

A remedial action

A preventive action

Involving a present adverse claim

To prevent a future cloud on the title

Q: Edgardo donated a parcel of land to a barangay subject to the condition that it shall be used for the construction of a public plaza within 5 years from execution of the Deed of Donation. Otherwise, the deed shall have no force and effect and ownership of the land will revert to the donor. The barangay took possession of the property and allowed the construction of buildings by public and private entities. Edgardo filed a complaint for quieting of title and recovery of possession of the area donated against the barangay claiming that the donation had ceased to be effective, for failure to comply with the conditions of the donation. Was the action to quiet title properly made? A: No. The action to quiet title is unavailing until the donation shall have first been revoked. In the case at bar, the barangay traces its claim of ownership over the disputed property to a valid contract of donation which is yet to be effectively revoked. Such rightful claim does not constitute a cloud on the supposed title of Edgardo over the same property removable by an action to quiet title. (Dolar v. Brgy. Lublub, G.R. No. 152663, November 18, 2005)

Q: What are the classifications of action? A: a.) Remedial action – one to remove cloud on title b.) Preventive action – on to prevent the casting of a (threatened) cloud on the title. Q: What are the requisites for existence of a cloud? A: ATP 1.

PRESCRIPTION OR NON-PRESCRIPTION OF ACTION

There is an Apparently valid or effective instrument.

Q: What are the prescriptive periods for bringing an action to quiet title?

Note: They must appear valid or effective – and extraneous evidence is needed to prove their invalidity or ineffectivity.

2.

3.

A: 1. 2.

But such instrument is in Truth: a. Invalid; b. Ineffective; c. Voidable; d. Unenforceable; e. Has been extinguished or terminated; f. Has been barred by extinctive prescription. Such instrument may be Prejudicial to the title.

Plaintiff in possession – Imprescriptible Plaintiff not in possession – a. 10 years (ordinary) or b. 30 years (extra-ordinary)

Note: Laches is defined as the failure or neglect, for unreasonable and unexplained length of time, to do that which by exercising due diligence, could or should have been done earlier. The negligence or omission to assert a right within a reasonable time, warranting a presumption that the party entitled to assert it either has abandoned it or declined to assert it (Tijam v Sibonghanoy, L-21450, Apr. 15, 1968).

Q: What is the purpose of an action to remove cloud on title?

Q: May an action filed within the period of limitations, still be barred?

A: It is intended to procure the cancellation, or delivery of, release of an instrument, encumbrance, or claim constituting a claim on plaintiff’s title, and which may be used to injure or vex him in the enjoyment of his title.

A: Yes, by laches. (See Arts. 1431, 1433, 1437) Q: Is an action to quiet title imprescriptible?

Q: Differentiate an action to quiet title from an action to remove cloud on title.

A: Yes. Even though the NCC does not include an action to quiet title as one of those actions which are imprescriptible,

A: UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

112

PROPERTY his undivided share and the transferee gets only what would correspond to his grantor in the partition of the thing owned in common (Paulmitan v. CA, GR No. 51584, November 25, 1992.).

the SC in this case held that such action is imprescriptible. The basis of the court is Art. 480. The imprescriptibility of an action to quiet title is a general principle from American jurisprudence (Bucton v. Gabar, G.R. No. L-36359, January31, 1974).

Q: Can there be an agreement to keep the thing undivided for a certain period of time?

CO-OWNERSHIP

A: Yes. An agreement to keep the thing n undivided for a certain period of time, not exceeding ten years, shall be valid. This term may be extended by a new agreement.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CO-OWNERSHIP IN GENERAL

A donor or testator may prohibit partition for a period which shall not exceed twenty years.

Q: What is co-ownership? A: It is a state where an undivided thing or right belongs to 2 or more persons (Art. 484). It is the right of common dominion which two or more persons have in a spiritual (or ideal) part of the thing which is not physically divided.

Neither shall there be any partition when it is prohibited by law. (Art. 494) Q: How do you determine the share of the co-owners in the benefits and charges arising from the co-ownership?

Q: What are the characteristics of co-ownership?

A: According to the NCC, the share of the co-owners in the benefits and charges arising from the co-ownership shall be proportional to their respective interests and any stipulation in a contract to the contrary shall be void (Art. 485, par.1). Consequently, in order to determine the share of the co-owners in the benefits and charges, we must first determine their respective interests in the co-ownership. Under the law, such interests are presumed equal, unless the contrary is proved. (Art. 485, par.2)

A: PRES-LG 1. Plurality of subjects / owners; 2. There is no mutual Representation by the co-owners; 3. It exists for the common Enjoyment of the co-owners; 4. There is a Single object which is not materially divided; 5. It has no distinct Legal personality 6. It is Governed first of all by the contract of the parties; otherwise, by special legal provisions, and in default of such provisions, by the provisions of Title III of the New Civil Code on co-ownership. Q: What are the requisites of co-ownership? A: POL 1. Plurality of owners; 2. Object, which is an undivided thing or right; 3. Each co-owner’s right must be Limited only to his ideal share of the physical whole Note: By the very nature of co-ownership, a co-owner cannot point to any specific portion of the property owned in common as his own because his share remains intangible and ideal (Spouses Avila et al v. Spouses Barabat, GR. No. 141993, May 17, 2006).

Q: What are the limitations upon the right of a co-owner to use the thing owned in common? A: The thing should be used only: 1. In accordance with the purpose for which it is intended; 2. In such a way as not to injure the interest of the co-ownership; and 3. In such a way as not to prevent the other coowners from using it according to their rights. (Art. 486) Q: What happens when a co-owner sells the whole property as his? A: The sale will affect only his own share but not those of the other co-owners who did not consent to the sale. Note: A sale of the entire property by one co-owner without the consent of the other co-owners is not null and void but affects only

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CIVIL LAW Q: Distinguish co-ownership from joint tenancy. A: CO-OWNERSHIP Tenancy in common

JOINT OWNERSHIP Joint Tenancy As to the extent of ownership

Each co-owner is the owner of his own ideal share.

Each joint owner owns the whole thing.

As to disposition Each co-owner may dispose of his undivided share without the Joint owner may not dispose of his own share without of all the other co-owners’ consent. rest, because he really has no ideal share. As to transfer of shares in case of death Upon the death of a co-owner, his ideal share goes to his heirs.

Upon the death of a joint owner, his share goes to the other joint owners by accretion.

As to minority or legal disability In case of a minor who is a co-owner, this does not benefit the The legal disability of one joint owner benefits the others. others. Prescription will continue to run among co-owners

Prescription Prescription will not run among them.

Q: Distinguish co-ownership from partnership. A: CO-OWNERSHIP No legal personality Can be created without the formalities of a contract By contract or by will Agreement to exist for more than 10 years is void No mutual representation Not dissolved by the death/incapacity of a coowner A co-owner can dispose of his share w/o the consent of the others hence in a way a coowner is substituted Profits of a co-owner depend on his proportionate share

Profits may be stipulated upon (for e.g., profitsharing agreements)

For collective enjoyment

For profit

No public instrument is needed even if the object of the co-ownership is an immovable

May be made in any form except when real property is contributed


ORDINARY PARTNERSHIP Has legal personality Can be created only by contract, express or implied By contract only No term limit is set by law There is mutual representation Dissolved by death or incapacity of a partner A partner cannot be substituted w/o the consent of the others

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PROPERTY SPECIAL RULES:

XPNs: A partition shall be made only upon a showing that: COURE 1. That 3 years after damage to the project which rendered a material part thereof unfit for its use prior thereto, it has not been Repaired substantially to its state prior to said damage; or 2. That damage to the project has rendered 1/2 or more of the units therein Untenantable and owners holding, in aggregate, more than 30% interest in the common areas are opposed to the repair; or 3. That the project which has been in existence for more than 50 yrs, is Obsolete and is uneconomic, and owners holding, in aggregate, more than 50% interest in the common areas are opposed to the repair or modernizing; or 4. That the project or a material part thereof has been condemned or Expropriated, the project is no longer viable and owners holding, in aggregate, more than 70% interest in the common areas are opposed to continuation of the condominium after such expropriation or condemnation; or 5. That the Conditions for such partition by sale have been met.

CONCEPT OF CONDOMINIUM CONDOMINIUM CORPORATION Q: What is a condominium corporation? A: A condominium may include, in addition, a separate interest in other portions of such real property. Title to the common areas, including the land, or the appurtenant interests in such areas, may be held by a corporation specially formed for the purpose (known as the “condominium corporation”) in which the holders of separate interest shall automatically be members or shareholders, to the exclusion of others, in proportion to the appurtenant interest of their respective units in the common areas. The real right in condominium may be ownership or any other interest in real property recognized by law, on property in the Civil Code and other pertinent laws. (Sec. 2, RA No. 4726) INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY

Q: When can a Corporation Condominium be voluntarily dissolved?

Q: What is a condominium? A: An interest in real property consisting of; 1. A separate interest in a unit in a residential, industrial or commercial building; and 2. An undivided interest in common, directly or indirectly, in the a. Land on which it is located; and b. In other common areas of the building.

A: 1.

CONCEPT OF COMMON AREAS, AMENDMENT

2.

Q: What are common areas?

By the affirmative vote of all the stockholders or members thereof at a general or special meeting duly called for the purpose: Provided all the requirements of Section 62 of the Corporation Law are complied with. GR: When the enabling or master deed is revoked XPN:

A: The entire project excepting all units separately granted or held or reserved.

1. That 3 years after damage or destruction to the project which renders a material part thereof unfit for its use prior thereto, it has not been rebuilt or repaired substantially to its prior state; or 2. That damage or destruction to the project has rendered 1/2 or more of the units therein untenantable and that more than 50% of the members of the corporation, if non-stock, or the shareholders representing more than 30% of the capital stock entitled to vote, if a stock corporation, are opposed to the repair or reconstruction of the project, or 3. That the project has been in existence in excess of 50 years, that it is obsolete and uneconomical, and more than 50% of the members of the corporation, if non-stock, or the stockholders representing more than 50% of the capital stock entitled to vote, if a stock corporation, are opposed to the repair or restoration or remodeling or modernizing of the project; or

Q: What is a project? A: The entire parcel of real property divided or to be divided in condominiums, including all structures thereon. Q: Where the common areas in the condominium are held by the owners of separate units as co-owners thereof, to whom can the units therein be conveyed? A: GR: Only to Filipino citizens XPN: To aliens in case of hereditary succession GROUNDS FOR PARTITION OF COMMON AREAS, OR DISSOLUTION OF THE CONDOMINIUM Q: Can the common areas be divided? A: GR: No, there can be no judicial partition.

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CIVIL LAW RIGHTS OF CO-OWNERS

4. That the project or a material part thereof has been condemned or expropriated and that the project is no longer viable, or that the members holding in aggregate more than 70% interest in the corporation, if non-stock, or the stockholders representing more than 70% of the capital stock entitled to vote, if a stock corporation, are opposed to the continuation of the condominium regime after expropriation or condemnation of a material portion thereof; or 5. That the conditions for such a dissolution have been met. (Secs. 13 & 14, R.A. 4726)

Q: What are the general rights of each co-owner as to the thing owned in common? A: USA-COPE-P 1. To Use the thing according to the purpose intended provided that: a. It is w/o prejudice to the interest of the coownership; and b. W/o preventing the use of other co-owners. (Art. 486) 2. To Share in the benefits in proportion to his interest, provided the charges are borne in the same proportion. (Art. 485)

Q: If you are the owner of a unit in a condominium project, such as an apartment, office or store, can you transfer your interest in the project to a third person?

Note: A contrary stipulation is void. Hence, benefits cannot be stipulated upon by the co-owners.

A: Yes, I can. However, the limitations prescribed by Sec. 5 of the Condominium Act must be observed. According to this section: “Any transfer or conveyance of a unit or an apartment, office or store or other space therein, shall include the transfer or conveyance of the undivided interest in the common areas or, in a proper case, the membership or shareholding in the condominium corporation: Provided, however, that where the common areas in the condominium project are held by the owners of separate units as co-owners thereof, no condominium unit therein shall be conveyed or transferred to person other than Filipino citizens or corporations at least 60% of the capital stock of which belong to Filipino citizens, except in cases of hereditary succession. Where the common areas in a condominium project are held by a corporation, no transfer or conveyance of a unit shall be valid if the concomitant transfer of the appurtenant membership or stockholding in the corporation will cause the alien interest in such corporation to exceed the limits imposed by existing laws.”

3.

Note: Action for ejectment covers; forcible entry, unlawful detainer, accion publiciana, quieting of title, accion reivindicatoria, replevin.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

10.

SOURCES OF CO-OWNERSHIP 11. 12.

Q: What are the sources of co-ownership? A: LOST-CC 1. Law - ex. Easement of party walls (Article 658, NCC) 2. Occupancy - ex. When two persons gather forest products or catch a wild animal 3. Succession- ex. Heirs of undivided property before partition 4. Testamentary (or mortis causa) / Donation inter vivos i.e. Where the donor prohibits partition of the property for a certain period of time 5. Contract 6. by Chance or fortuitous event i.e. Hidden treasure


Each co-owner may bring an Action for ejectment. (Art. 487)

13. 14. 15.

To Compel other co-owners to contribute to expenses for preservation of the thing (Art. 488) To Oppose to any act of alteration (Art. 491) even if beneficial to the co-owners To Protect against acts of majority which are prejudicial to the minority (Art. 492, par. 3) To Exercise legal redemption To ask for Partition (Art. 494) Right to exempt himself from obligation of paying necessary expenses and taxes by renouncing his share in the pro-indiviso interest; but can’t be made if prejudicial to co-ownership Right to make repairs for preservation of things can be made at will of one co-owner; receive reimbursement therefrom; notice of necessity of such repairs must be given to co-owners, if practicable Right to full ownership of his part and fruits Right to alienate, assign or mortgage own part; except personal rights like right to use and habitation Right of pre-emption Right to be adjudicated thing (subject to right of others to be indemnified) Right to share in proceeds of sale of thing if thing is indivisible and they cannot agree that it be allotted to one of them.

Q: What is the effect of redemption of the whole property of a co-owner? A: Redemption of the whole property by a co-owner does not vest in him sole ownership over said property. Redemption within the period prescribed by law by a coowner will inure to the benefit of all co-owners. Hence, it will not put an end to existing co-ownership (Mariano v. CA 222 SCRA 76, 1993).

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PROPERTY Q: What are the duties/liabilities of co-owners?

Q: What if the case does not prosper, are the other coowners bound by the judgment?

A: 1.

A: GR: No.

2. 3. 4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Share in charges proportional to respective interest; stipulation to contrary is void Pay necessary expenses and taxes – may be exercised by only one co-owner Pay useful and luxurious expenses – if determined by majority Duty to obtain consent of all if thing is to be altered even if beneficial; resort to court if non-consent is manifestly prejudicial Duty to obtain consent of majority with regards to administration and better enjoyment of the thing; controlling interest; court intervention if prejudicial – appointment of administrator No prescription to run in favor co-owner as long as he recognizes co-ownership; requisites for acquisition through prescription: a. He has repudiated through unequivocal acts b. Such act of repudiation is made known to other coowners c. Evidence must be clear and convincing Co-owners cannot ask for physical division if it would render thing unserviceable; but can terminate coownership. After partition, duty to render mutual accounting of benefits and reimbursements for expenses.

XPN: If they were also served with summons, even as unwilling plaintiffs. Q: Can a suit for ejectment be brought by one co-owner against another co-owner? A: No, since the latter also has a right of possession; the only effect of the action will be to obtain recognition of the co-ownership. DISTINCTION BETWEEN RIGHT TO PROPERTY OWNED IN COMMON AND FULL OWNERSHIP OVER HIS/HER IDEAL SHARE Q: Distinguish right to property owned in common and full ownership over his/her ideal share A: 1.

Each co- owner is granted the right to use the property owned in common for the purpose for which it is intended. There are two restrictions in the enjoyment of this right:

rd

Q: What are the rights of a co-owner to 3 parties? A: 1.

2.

Right to property owned in common

a. b.

Assignees may take part in division and object if being effected without their concurrence, but cannot impugn unless there is fraud or made not withstanding their formal opposition. Non-intervenors – Retain rights of mortgage and servitude and other real rights and personal rights belonging to them before partition was made.

2.

The co- ownership shall not be injured; and The exercise shall not prevent the other coowners from using the property according to their own rights.

Full ownership over his/her ideal share

A co- owner has full ownership of his share (undivided interest) and the fruits and benefits arising therefrom. Being the full owner thereof he may alienate, assign or mortgage it; he can also substitute another person in the enjoyment of his share, except only when personal rights are involved.

Q: Borromeo, a co-owner of a parcel of land, allowed Resuena to reside in said land. After sometime, Borromeo later demands that Resuena should vacate the property, but the latter refused. May Borromeo file an ejectment suit even if he is a mere co-owner of the lot?

ACTS OF ALTERATION A: Yes. Art. 487 of the Civil Code which provides that “Anyone of the co-owners may bring an action in ejectment” is a categorical and an unqualified authority in favor of Borromeo to evict Resuena from the portion occupied. Borromeo’s action for ejectment against Resuena is deemed to be instituted for the benefit of all co-owners of the property. (Resuena v. CA, G.R. No. 128338, March 28, 2005)

Q: What is an alteration? A: Alteration is a change which is more or less permanent, which changes the use of the thing and which prejudices the condition of the thing or its enjoyment by the others. (Paras, p.344) Q: What does alteration include?

Q: Does the filing of an ejectment suit require the consent of the other co-owners?

A: It includes the act by virtue of which a co-owner changes the thing from the state in which the others believe it should remain. It is not limited to material charges (Viterbo v. Quinto, 35226-R, December19, 1973).

A: No. Art. 487 states that “Any one of the co-owners may bring action for ejectment”. The law does not require that consent of the co-owners must be first secured before bringing an action for ejectment.

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CIVIL LAW Q: Distinguish acts of administration from acts of alteration.

RIGHT TO PARTITION Q: What are the rights of co-owners as to the ideal share of each?

A: ACTS OF ADMINISTRATION

ACTS OF ALTERATION

Refer to the enjoyment, exploitation, alteration of the thing which do not affect its substance, form, or purpose

Acts, by virtue of which, a coowner, in opposition to the expressed or tacit agreement of all the co-owners, and in violation of their will, chang the thing from the state in which the others believe it would remain, or withdraws it from the use to which they believe it is intended

A: FARTS 1. Each has Full ownership of his part and of his share of the fruits and benefits; 2. Right to Alienate, dispose or encumber; 3. Right to Renounce part of his interest to reimburse necessary expenses incurred by another co-owner; 4. Right to enter into Transaction affecting his ideal share; Note: The transaction affects only his ideal share not that of the other co-owners.

5. Transitory in character

Right to Substitute another person in its enjoyment, except when personal rights are involved.

Permanent

Do not affect the substance or form

Affect or relate the substance or essence of the thing

In relation to the right of a co-owner, they require the consent of the majority

Require the consent of all coowners

Can be exercised by the co-owners through others

Must be exercised by the coowners themselves

Note: Personal rights or jus in personam is the power belonging to one person to demand from another, as a definite passive subject-debtor, the fulfillment of a prestation to give, to do, or not to do. (Paras, p.773)

Q: What is the rule as regards to the right to demand partition? A: GR: Every co-owner has the right to demand partition. XPNs: EAS-PAUL 1. When partition would render the thing Unserviceable; or 2. When the thing is essentially Indivisible; 3. When partition is prohibited by Law by reason of their origin or juridical nature- ex. party walls and fences; 4. When the co-owners Agree to keep the property undivided for a period of time but not more than 10 yrs; 5. When partition is Prohibited by the transferor (donor / testator) but not more than 20 yrs;

Q: What is the liability of a co-owner who makes an alteration without the express or implied consent of the others? A: He shall: LDP 1. Lose what he has spent; 2. Be obliged to Demolish the improvements done; and 3. Pay for the loss and damages the community property or other co-owners may have suffered.

Note: 10 years ordinary prescription, 30 years extraordinary partition.

Note: Estoppel will operate against the co-owners who were aware of the execution of the acts of alteration, but did not object thereto. They are deemed to have given their implied consent. (3 Manresa 469-470)

6.

7.

Q: What is conversion?

8.

A: It refers to the act of using or disposing of another’s property without lawful authority to do so in a manner different from that with which a property is held by the trustees to whom the owner had entrusted the same. It is not necessary that the use for which the property is given be directly to the advantage of the person misappropriating or converting the property of another (People v. Carballo, 17136-CR, November 17, 1976).

When a co-owner possessed the property as an Exclusive owner for a period sufficient to acquire it through prescription. (Acquisitive Prescription) When Co-owners may agree that it be Allotted to one of them reimbursing the others; If they cannot agree, may Sell the thing and distribute the proceeds.

Q: May the right to ask for partition be waived or renounced permanently? A: No, such waiver or renunciation is void. Q: Can prescription run in favor of or against a co-owner? A: GR: As long as he expressly or impliedly recognizes the co-ownership, it cannot.


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PROPERTY Reason: Possession of a co-owner is like that of a trustee and shall not be regarded as adverse to the other coowners but in fact is beneficial to all of them. Acts considered adverse to strangers may not be considered adverse insofar as co-owners are concerned (Salvador v. CA, G.R. No. 109910, Apr. 5, 1995).

Q: Should creditors and/or assignees be notified of the proposed partition? A: The law does not require that a notification be given but: 1. If notice is given- It is their duty to appear to concur /oppose, otherwise creditor’s claims are deemed waived. 2. If no notice is given- creditors and/or assignees may still question the partition made.

XPN: Co-owner's possession may be deemed adverse to the cestui que trust or the other co-owners provided the following elements must concur: 1. That he has performed unequivocal acts of repudiation amounting to an ouster of the cestui que trust or the other co-owners; 2. That such positive acts of repudiation have been made known to the cestui que trust or the other co-owners; and 3. That the evidence thereon must be clear and convincing (Salvador v. CA, G.R. No. 109910, Apr. 5, 1995).

Note: Third persons who have rights attached to the community property before its partition, shall retain such rights even after the partition of the property. The protection granted by law applies to both real and personal rights. (Pineda, p. 254)

Q: Can a partition already executed or implemented be still impugned? A: GR: No. XPN: 1. In case of fraud, regardless of notification and opposition; 2. In case of partition was made over their objection even in absence of fraud (Article 497)

Note: Prescription begins to run from the time of repudiation. Example of acts of repudiation: filing of an action to: 1. Quiet title; or 2. Recovery of ownership.

Q: What are the remedies available to co-owners where the co-owned property cannot be physically divided without rendering it useless or unserviceable?

XPN to XPN: Constructive trusts can prescribe. Express trust cannot prescribe as long as the relationship between trustor and trustee is recognized. (Paras, p. 362)

A: 1. Agree on the allotment of the entire property to one of them who in turn will indemnify the others for their respective interests; or 2. Sell the property and distribute the proceeds to the coowners. (Pineda, p.252)

Q: The two lots owned by Alipio were inherited by his 9 children, including Maria, upon his death. Pastor, Maria’s husband, filed a complaint for quieting of title and annulment of documents against the spouses Yabo, alleging that he owned a total of 8 shares of the subject lots, having purchased the shares of 7 of Alipio's children and inherited the share of his wife, Maria, and that he occupied, cultivated, and possessed continuously, openly, peacefully, and exclusively the parcels of land. He prayed that he be declared the absolute owner of 8/9 of the lots. His co-heirs then instituted an action to partition the lots. Did Pastor acquire by prescription the shares of his other co-heirs or co-owners?

Q: What are rights of co-owners are not affected by partition? A: MRS-P 1. Rights of: a. Mortgage; b. Servitude; c. any other Real rights existing before partition. 2. Personal rights pertaining to third persons against the co-ownership (Art. 499, NCC)

A: No. The only act which may be deemed as repudiation by Pastor of the co-ownership over the lots is his filing of an action to quiet title. The period of prescription started to run only from this repudiation. However, this was tolled when his co-heirs, instituted an action for partition of the lots. Hence, the adverse possession by Pastor being for only about 6 months would not vest in him exclusive ownership of his wife's estate, and absent acquisitive prescription of ownership, laches and prescription of the action for partition will not lie in favor of Pastor (Salvador v. CA, G.R. No. 109910, Apr. 5, 1995).

Illustration: A, B and C where co-owners of parcel of land mortgaged to M. If A, B, and C should physically partition the property, the mortgage in M’s favor still covers all the three lots, which, together, formerly constituted one single parcel. If A alone had contracted an unsecured obligation, he would of course be the only one responsible. (Paras, p. 376) Q: What are the rights of third persons in case of partition? A: 1.

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The partition of a thing owned in common shall not prejudice third persons, who shall retain the rights of UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW

2.

mortgage, servitude or nay other real rights belonging to them before the division was made; Personal rights pertaining to them against the coownership shall also remain in force, notwithstanding the partition.

WAIVER Q: May a co-owner opt not to contribute to the expenses for the preservation of the property? How? A: GR: Yes, by renouncing his undivided interest equal to the amount of contribution.

RIGHT TO CONTRIBUTIONS FOR EXPENSES

XPN: If the waiver or renunciation is prejudicial to the co-ownership, otherwise he cannot exempt himself from the contribution (Art. 488)

Q: What are the expenses which the co-owners can be compelled to contribute? A: Only necessary expenses. Useful expenses and those for pure luxury are not included.

Note: The value of the property at the time of the renunciation will be the basis of the portion to be renounced.

Q: Differentiate necessary, useful and expenses of pure luxury.

Q: Is the failure or refusal of a co-owner to contribute pro rata to his share in expenses tantamount to renunciation?

A: Necessary expenses are those made for the preservation of the thing, or those without which the thing would deteriorate or be lost, or those that augment the income of the things upon which are expended, or those incurred for cultivation, production, upkeep, etc. (Mendoza v De Guzman, 52 Phil. 171)

A: No, there must be an express renunciation, otherwise he is required to reimburse the others for the expenses they incurred. Q: What is the effect of renunciation? A: It is in effect a dacion en pago since there is a change in the object of the obligation (i.e. from sum of money to interest in the co-ownership). Consequently, the consent of the other co-owners is necessary.

Useful expenses incurred for the preservation of the realty in order that it may produce the natural, industrial, and civil fruits it ordinarily produce. (Marcelino v. Miguel, 53 OG 5650)

Note: Dacion en pago is a juridical concept whereby a debtor pays off his obligations to the creditor by the conveyance of ownership of his property as an accepted equivalent of performance or payment. The end result may be the same, but the concept is entirely different from that of a purchase (Damicog v. Desquitada, CV – 43611, October 3, 1983).

Ornamental expenses add value to the thing only for certain persons in view of their particular whims, neither essential for preservation nor useful to everybody in general. Q: When may acts of preservation made in the property of the co-owners?

Q: Can the renunciation be made without the consent of any unpaid creditor?

A: At the will of one of the co-owners, but he must, if practicable, first notify the others of the necessity of such repairs.

A: No, for it is in effect a novation by substitution, it will prejudice the rights of the unpaid creditor. Note: Novation by substitution is the substitution of the person of the debtor.

Q: What are those acts which require the majority consent of the co-owners? A: IME a. b. c.

RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF CO-OWNERS SHARE Management Enjoyment Improvement or embellishment

Q: Whose shares may a co-owner redeem? A: The shares of all or any other co-owner if sold to a third person.

Q: What is the remedy in case the minority opposes the decision of the majority in co-ownership?

Q: What if two or more co-owners want to redeem? A: Minority may appeal to the court against the majority’s decision if the same is seriously prejudicial.

A: They may do so in proportion to the shares they respectively have.

Q: Who shall decide on matters relating to expenses for the improvement or embellishment of the thing?

Q: What is the effect of redemption by a co-owner?

A: Expenses to improve or embellish the thing shall be decided upon by the majority. (Art. 489, NCC)

A: Redemption of the whole property by a co-owner does not vest in him sole ownership over said property. Redemption within the period prescribed by law will inure to the benefit of all co-owners. Hence, it will not put an end

Note: There is no majority unless the resolution is approved by the co-owners who represent the controlling interest in the object of the co-ownership (par. 2 Art. 492)


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PROPERTY to existing co-ownership (Mariano v. CA, GR. No. 101522, May 28, 1993).

TERMINATION/EXTINGUISHMENT Q: How is co-ownership extinguished?

Q: Fortunato, his siblings and mother are co-owners of a parcel of land. Lumayno purchased the shares of Fortunato’s co-owners. When Fortunato died, his wife claimed that she has the right of redemption over the shares previously sold by the co-owners to Lumayno because they have not formally subdivided the property. However, although the lot had not yet been formally subdivided, still, the particular portions belonging to the co-owners had already been ascertained. In fact the coowners took possession of their respective parts. Can Fortunato’s wife be entitled to right of legal redemption?

A: CALSTEP 1. Consolidation or merger in one co-owner; 2. Acquisitive prescription in favor of a third person or a co-owner who repudiates; 3. Loss or destruction of thing co-owned; 4. Sale of thing co-owned; 5. Termination of period agreed upon; 6. Expropriation; 7. Judicial or extra-judicial Partition. EFFECT OF PARTITION

A: No, she is no longer entitled to the right of legal redemption under Art. 1632 of the NCC. As legal redemption is intended to minimize co-ownership, once the property is subdivided and distributed among the coowners the community ceases to exist and there is no more reason to sustain any right of legal redemption. The exercise of this right presupposes the existence of a coownership at the time the conveyance is made by a coowner and when it is demanded by the other co-owners. Even an oral agreement of partition is valid and binding upon the parties (Vda. de Ape v. CA, G.R. No. 133638, Apr. 15, 2005).

Q: What are the effects of partition? A: 1. 2.

It confers upon the co-owner exclusive title over the property adjudicated to him (Art. 1091); Possession of the co-owner over the property adjudicated to him shall be deemed exclusive for the period during which the co-possession lasted (Art. 543, NCC). In other words, it is deemed continuous. RIGHTS AGAINST INDIVIDUAL CO-OWNERS IN CASE OF PARTITION

Q: Villaner, upon death of his wife, sold the conjugal property to Leonardo. Villaner’s 8 children, as co-owners of the property, now claim that the sale does not bind them as they did not consent to such undertaking. Is the sale binding on the children?

Q: What are the obligations of co-owners upon partition? A: WARD 1. Mutual Accounting for benefits received, fruits and other benefits 2. Mutual Reimbursements for expenses 3. Indemnity for Damages caused by reason of negligence/fraud 4. Reciprocal Warranty for defects of title and quality of the portion assigned to the co-owner (Art. 500-501)

A: No. While a co-owner has the right to freely sell and dispose of his undivided interest, nevertheless, as a coowner, he cannot alienate the shares of his other coowners. The disposition made by Villaner affects only his share pro indiviso, and the transferee gets only what corresponds to his grantor's share in the partition of the property owned in common. The property being conjugal, Villaner's interest in it is the undivided one-half portion. When his wife died, her rights to the other half was vested to her heirs including Villaner and their 8 legitimate children.

PARTITION IN CASE CO-OWNERS CANNOT AGREE Q: How is partition effected?

Q: What is the status of the sale? Is it valid, void or voidable?

A: 1. 2.

A: A sale of the entire property by one co-owner without the consent of the other co-owners is valid. However, it will only affect the interest or share in the undivided property of the co-owner who sold the same.

By agreement between the parties; or By judicial proceedings (Art. 496)

Q: What is the remedy in case the co-owners cannot agree in the partition? A: If realty is involved, an action for partition (under Rule 69 of the Rules of Court) against the co-owners may be filed. In case of personality and actual partition could not be made, it may be sold under the discretion of the court and the proceeds be divided among the owners after deducting the necessary expenses

Q: What is the remedy of the other heirs in this case? A: The proper action in cases like this is not for the nullification of the sale or the recovery of possession of the thing owned in common from the third person who substituted the co-owner or co-owners who alienated their shares, but the division of the common property or that is, an action for partition under Rule 69 of the Revised Rules of Court (Acabal v. Acabal, G.R. No. 148376, March 31, 2005).

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CIVIL LAW Q: What is the rule in case the co-owners cannot agree as to the partition of a thing which is essentially indivisible?

5.

A: 1.

6.

2.

Firstly, the property may be allotted to one of the coowners, who shall indemnify the other; Otherwise, it shall be sold, and the proceeds distributed. (Art. 498)

In the Concept of an owner (en concepto de dueno)– possessor, by his actions, is believed by others as the owner, whether he is in good or bad faith In the concept of a Holder – possessor holds it merely to keep or enjoy it, the ownership pertaining to another; ex. usufructuary Note: None of these holders may assert a claim of ownership for himself over the thing but they may be considered as possessors in the concept of an owner, or under a claim of ownership, with respect to the right they respectively exercise over the thing.

POSSESSION CHARACTERISTICS 7. 8.

Q: What is possession? A: Possession is the holding of a thing or the enjoyment of a right (Art. 523)

Possession in Good faith Possession in Bad faith Note: Only personal knowledge of the flaw in one’s title or mode of acquisition can make him possessor in bad faith. It is not transmissible even to an heir.

Q: What are the requisites of possession? A: PAP 1. 2. 3.

Possession in good faith ceases from the moment defects in his title are made known to the possessor.

Possession in fact or holding or control of a thing or right; Animus possidendi or the deliberate intention to possess; Possession by virtue of one’s own right

9.

Q: What kind of possession can serve as title? A: Possession with title in fee simple.

Q: What is the distinction between Right to Possession and Right of Possession?

Q: Differentiate possession and occupation

A: Right to Possession is an incident or attribute of ownership over a thing. It is also known as jus possidendi, and attribute of ownership. On the other hand, Right of Possession is an independent right, separate from ownership. It is also known as jus possessiones.

A: POSSESSION Apply to properties whether with or without an owner Possession does not confer ownership

Q: What are the degrees of possession? Distinguish.

There can be possession without ownership

A: NJJS 1. Possession with No right or title- possessor knows that his possession is wrongful, 2. With Juridical title - possession peaceably acquired and will not ripen into full ownership as long as there is no repudiation of the concept under which property is held. 3. With Just title or title sufficient to transfer ownership, but not from the true owner - ripens to full ownership by the lapse of time. 4. With a title in fee Simple - springs from ownership; highest degree of possession.

OCCUPATION Applies only to property without an owner Occupation confers ownership There can be no occupation without ownership

Q: Is it possible for a person who has been declared as the owner of a certain property not to be entitled to its possession? A: Yes. Possession and ownership are distinct legal concepts. Ownership confers certain rights to the owner among which are the right to enjoy the thing owned and the right to exclude other persons from possession thereof. On the other hand, possession is defined as the holding of a thing or the enjoyment of a right. Literally, to possess means to actually and physically occupy a thing with or without a right. Thus a person may be declared an owner but not entitled to possession (Heirs of Roman Soriano v. CA, GR No. 128177, August 15, 2001).

Q: What are the classes of possession? A: OVAL-OH-GBC 1. In one’s Own name – possessor claims the thing for himself 2. Voluntary – by virtue of an agreement 3. In the name of Another – held by the possessor for another; agent, subject to authority and ratification; if not authorized, negotiorum gestio 4. Legal – by virtue of law; e.g. possession in behalf of incapacitated UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Constructive possession- does not mean that a man has to have his feet on every square meter of ground.

Note: Possession is merely one of the attributes ownership. (Jus Possidendi)

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PROPERTY ACQUISITION OF POSSESSION

Q: When does possession in good faith cease?

Q: What are the ways of acquiring possession?

A: Possession in good faith ceases from the moment defects in his title are made known to the possessor.

A: FAMS 1. By Material occupation/exercise of a right 2. By Subjection of the thing/right to our will 3. By proper Acts and legal Formalities established for acquiring such right (Art. 531)

This interruption of good faith may take place: 1. at the date of summons or 2. that of the answer if the date of summons does not appear at the date

Q: What are the essential elements of possession?

Q: What is the effect in case possession ceases to be in good faith?

A: 1. Corpus –refers to the existence of the thing and holding; and 2. Animus – refers to the intent to possess the thing.

A: Possessor in bad faith is required to pay rent or in case vacate the property, in both cases he is required to pay damages to the lawful owner or possessor of the property.

its

Q: Jose offered to sell his lot to Rosario which the latter accepted. They executed a document containing the sale. Later, Rosario sought the execution of the formal deed of sale, but Jose could not continue the sale because he sold the lot to Emma with whom he executed a formal deed of sale. Informed that the sale in favor of Emma was not registered, Rosario registered her adverse claim. Later, Emma registered her deed of sale and a TCT was issued to her but with Rosario’s adverse claim. Emma then took possession of the lot. Who has a better right to the land?

Q: What if the possession is acquired by a stranger? A: Where possession is acquired not by an agent or representative but by a stranger without agency, possession is not acquired until the act of the agent or representative is ratified (Art. 532). Q: What are the acts which do not give rise to possession? A: Possession through: FAT-V 1. Force or intimidation as long as there is a possessor who objects thereto. (Art. 536) 2. Acts executed clandestinely and without the knowledge of the possessor which means that: a. acts are not public; and b. unknown to the owner or possessor 3. Mere Tolerance by the owner or the lawful possessor. 4. Acts executed by Violence. (Art 537)

A: Rosario. To merit the protection of Art 1544 (double sale) it is essential that the buyer of the realty must act in good faith in registering his deed of sale. Rosario’s prior purchase of the land was made in good faith; she was the only buyer at that time. Her good faith did not cease after Jose told him of the second sale to Emma. Because of that information, Rosario wanted an audience with Emma but was snubbed by the latter. In order to protect her right, Rosario registered her adverse claim. Said recording is deemed to be in good faith and emphasize Emma’s bad faith (Carbonell v.CA G.R. No. L-29972, January 26, 1976).

Q: What kind of possession can serve as a title for acquiring dominion? A: Only the possession acquired and enjoyed in the concept of owner. (Art. 540)

Q: Is Emma entitled to the improvements she introduced in the lot?

EFFECTS OF POSSESSION A: No. Emma’s rights to the improvements she introduced are governed by Arts. 546 and 547 (necessary and useful expense made by possessor in good faith). These provisions seem to imply that the possessor in bad faith has neither the right of retention of useful improvements nor the right to demand refund for useful expenses (Carbonell v.CA G.R. No. L-29972, January 26, 1976).

POSSESSOR IN GOOD FAITH Q: When is a possessor in good faith? A: When he is not aware that there exists in his title or mode of acquisition any flaw which invalidates it. (Art. 526) Q: What are the requisites in order to be considered a possessor in good faith?

Q: What are the rights of a possessor? A:

A: 1. 2. 3.

GOOD FAITH BAD FAITH As to fruits received Reimburse fruits received or Entitled while possession is which lawful possessor in good faith would have received As to pending fruits Liable to the lawful No right to such pending possessor for expenses of fruits

Ostensible title or mode of acquisition Vice or defect in the title Possessor is ignorant of the vice or defect and must have an honest belief that the thing belongs to him.

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CIVIL LAW Q: Who is entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses?

cultivation and shall share in net harvest to time of possession As to expenses: (Necessary expenses) Right of reimbursement and Right of reimbursement and retention retention (Useful expenses) Right of removal No right of removal (Ornamental Expenses) Reimbursement at owner’s option, however, removal No reimbursement can be effected provided no injury is incurred As to liability in case of deterioration or loss No liability, unless due to Always liable for his fault/negligence deterioration or loss

A: Every possessor, whether the possessor is in good faith or bad faith. Note: However, only the possessor in good faith may retain the thing until he has been reimbursed. (Art. 546)

Q: What are useful expenses? A: Those which increase the value or productivity of the property. Q: Who has the right to be refunded for useful expenses? A: Only to the possessor in good faith with the same right of retention as in necessary expenses. (Art. 546)

RIGHT TO PENDING FRUITS Q: When are fruits considered received?

Q: What is the effect of voluntary surrender of property?

A: 1.

A: It is a waiver of the possessor’s right of retention but his right to be refunded may still be enforced, unless he also waived the same.

2.

Natural and industrial fruits- from the time they are gathered or severed Civil fruits - from the time of their accrual and not their actual receipt. (Art. 544)

Q: May a possessor remove the useful improvements he introduced?

Q: What if there are ungathered natural or industrial fruits at the time good faith ceases?

A: Yes, but only by a possessor in good faith and only when no substantial damage or injury would be caused to the principal thing. (Art. 547)

A: The possessor shall share in the expenses of cultivation, net harvest, and charges in proportion to the time of possession. (Art 545)

Note: However, this right of removal is only subordinate to the owner’s right to keep the improvements himself by paying the expenses incurred or the concomitant increase in the value of the property caused by the improvements.

Q: What are the options of the owner in case there are pending fruits at the time good faith ceases? A: 1.

2.

EXPENSES FOR PURE LUXURY

To pay the possessor in good faith indemnity for his cultivation expenses and charges and his share in the net harvest; or To allow him to finish the cultivation and gathering of the growing fruits.

Q: What are luxurious expenses? A: Expenses incurred for improvements introduced for pure luxury or mere pleasure.

Q: What if the possessor refuses, for any reason, to finish the cultivation and gathering?

Q: Are luxurious expenses refundable?

A: He forfeits the right to be indemnified in any other manner. (Art. 545, par. 3)

A: No, even if the possessor is in good faith.

RIGHT TO BE REIMBURSED

Note: But he may remove the luxurious improvements if the principal thing suffers no injury thereby, and if his successor in the possession does not prefer to refund the amount expended. (Art. 548)

NECESSARY AND USEFUL EXPENSES Q: What are necessary expenses?

POSSESSOR IN BAD FAITH

A: Expenses incurred to preserve the property, without which, said property will physically deteriorate or be lost.

Q: When is a possessor in bad faith? A: When he is aware that there exists in his title or mode of acquisition any flaw which invalidates it.


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PROPERTY Note: Only personal knowledge of the flaw in one’s title or mode of acquisition can make him a possessor in bad faith.

application, Dolorico named Martin, as his heir and successor in interest. Martin later relinquished his rights in favor of Quirino his grandson and requested the Director of Lands to cancel the homestead application which was granted. Quirino filed his sales applications and the said property was awarded to him being the only bidder. Is Ortiz entitled to right of retention?

Q: When is good or bad faith material or immaterial? A: It is important in connection with the 1. receipt of fruits, 2. indemnity for expenses, and 3. acquisition of ownership by prescription.

A: Yes. A possessor in good faith has the right of retention of the property until he has been fully reimbursed for all the necessary and useful expenses made by him on the property. Its object is to guarantee the reimbursement for the expenses, such as those for the preservation of the property, or for the enhancement of its utility or productivity. It permits the actual possessor to remain in possession while he has not been reimbursed by the person who defeated him in the possession for those necessary expenses and useful improvements made by him on the thing possessed (Ortiz v. Kayanan, G.R. No. L-32974, July 30, 1979).

It becomes immaterial when the right to recover is exercised. (Art. 539) Q: What are the liabilities of possessor in bad faith regarding fruits? A: (a) As to fruits already received or gathered: - return the fruits if still existing or pay their value if already consumed or spent, - pay the value of the fruits which the legitimate possessor could have received were it not for his dispossession, but deducting the expenses for cultivation, gathering and harvesting to prevent unjust enrichment on the part of the latter.

Q: What is the rule when two or more persons claim possession over the same property? A: It depends. GR: Possession cannot be recognized in two different personalities

(b) As to growing, pending or ungathered fruits: - no right whatsoever on the pending, growing or ungathered fruits, - not entitled to be reimbursed for expenses for cultivation.

XPN: In case of co-possession when there is no conflict. Q: What are the criteria in case there is a dispute of possession of 2 or more persons?

(c) As additional liability: - pay for damages

A: Criteria in case of dispute: A2DE 1. Present/Actual possessor shall be preferred 2. If there are 2 possessors, the one longer in possession 3. If the Dates of possession are the same, the one with a title

Q: What are the requisites to constitute possession whether in good faith or in bad faith? A: 1. 2. 3.

Possessor has a title/mode of acquisition; There is a flaw or defect in said title/mode; The possessor is aware or unaware of the flaw or defect.

If all of the above are Equal, the fact of possession shall be judicially determined, and in the meantime, the thing shall be placed in judicial deposit. (Art. 538) Q: What are the acts which do not give rise to possession?

Q: May mistake upon a doubtful questions or difficult question of law be the basis of possession in good faith?

A: Possession through: FAT-V 1. Force or intimidation as long as there is a possessor who objects thereto. (Art. 536) 2. Acts executed clandestinely and without the knowledge of the possessor which means that: a. acts are not public; and b. unknown to the owner or possessor 3. Mere Tolerance by the owner or the lawful possessor. 4. Acts executed by Violence. (Art 537)

A: Yes. Mistake upon a doubtful or difficult questions of law (provided such ignorance is not gross and therefore inexcusable) may be a basis of good faith. It is true that “ignorance of the law excuses no one” but error in the application of the law, in the legal solutions arising from such application, and the interpretation of doubtful doctrine can still make a person ignorance of the law may be based on an error of fact. (Paras, p. 463)

Q: What kind of possession can serve as a title for acquiring dominion?

Note: Mistake upon a doubtful or difficult question of law refers to the honest error in the application or interpretation of doubtful or conflicting legal provisions/doctrines, and not to the ignorance of the law. (Art. 526, par. 3)

A: Only the possession acquired and enjoyed in the concept of owner. (Art. 540)

Q When Dolorico died, his guardian Ortiz continued the cultivation and possession of the property, without filing any application to acquire title. In the homestead

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CIVIL LAW LOSS OR UNLAWFUL DEPRIVATION OF A MOVABLE

c.

Possessor is in the concept of an owner.

Q: What is a lost thing?

Q: Is the possession of movable property acquired in good faith equivalent to a title?

A: It is one previously under the lawful possession and control of a person but is now without any possessor.

A: Yes. GR: Doctrine of irrevindicability - The possession of movable property acquired in good faith is equivalent to title.

Note: An abandoned property is not considered as a lost thing. (Pineda Property, 1999, p. 503)

Note: This is merely presumptive as it can be defeated by the true owner. (Art. 559)

Q: What is the duty of a finder of a lost movable? A: Whoever finds a lost movable, which is not a treasure, must return it to its previous possessor. If the latter is unknown, the finder shall immediately deposit it with the mayor of the city or municipality where the finding has taken place.

XPNs: 1. When the owner has lost; or 2. Has been unlawfully deprived of a movable. In which case the possessor cannot retain the thing as against the owner, who may recover it without paying any indemnity

Note: The mayor in turn must publicly announce the finding of the property for two consecutive weeks.

XPN to the XPNs: Where movable is acquired in good faith at a public sale, the owner must reimburse to recover. (Art. 559 par. 2)

Q: When is public auction of the lost movable authorized? A: If the movable cannot be kept without deterioration, or without expenses which considerably diminish its value, it shall be sold at public auction eight days after the publication.

Q: Using a falsified manager's check, Justine, as the buyer, was able to take delivery of a second hand car which she had just bought from United Car Sales. Inc. The sale was registered with the Land Transportation Office. A week later, the United Car Sales learned that the check had been dishonored, but by that time, Justine was nowhere to be seen. It turned out that Justine had sold the car to Jerico, the present possessor who knew nothing about the falsified check. In a suit filed by United Car Sales. Inc. against Jerico for recovery of the car, United Car Sales alleges it had been unlawfully deprived of its property through fraud and should, consequently, be allowed to recover it without having to reimburse the defendant for the price the latter had paid. Should the suit prosper? (1998 Bar Question)

Q: May the lost movable be awarded to the finder? A: Yes. If the owner or previous possessor did not appear after 6 months from the publication, the thing found or its value or proceeds if there was a sale, shall be awarded to the finder. The finder, however, shall pay for the expenses incurred for the publication. (Art. 719) Q: What is the duty of the owner who appeared? A: 1.

2.

3.

Give a reward to the finder equivalent to one-tenth (1/10) of the sum or of the price of the thing found. (Art. 720) Reimburse to the finder for the latter’s expenses incurred for the preservation of the thing. (Art. 546) and expenses spent for the location of the owner Reimburse the expenses for publication if there was a public auction sale. (Pineda Property, 1999, p. 505)

A: Yes, the suit should prosper because the criminal act of estafa should be deemed to come within the meaning of unlawful deprivation under Art. 559, NCC, as without it United Car Sales would not have parted with the possession of its car. Note: The possession of movable property acquired in good faith is equivalent to a title. Nevertheless, one who has lost any movable or has been unlawfully deprived thereof, may recover it from the person in possession of the same. (Art. 559, Civil Code)

FINDER OF LOST MOVABLE Q: What is the right of a possessor who acquires a movable claimed by another? A: 1. 2.

DISTINGUISHED FROM VOIDABLE TITLE Q: What is the rule in case the seller of a thing has voidable title on the thing sold?

Bad faith - no right Good faith- presumed ownership. It is equivalent to title.

A: Where the seller of goods has a voidable title thereto, but his title has not been avoided at the time of the sale, the buyer acquires a good title to the goods, provided he buys them in good faith, for value, and without notice of the seller's defect of title. (Art. 1506, NCC)

Requisites: a. possession in good faith b. owner has voluntarily parted with the possession of the thing; and UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

126

PROPERTY IN CONCEPT OF OWNER, HOLDER, IN ONE’S OWN NAME, IN NAME OF ANOTHER

Q: What are the rights of a possessor as regards NECESSARY EXPENSES?

RIGHTS OF THE POSSESSOR

A: GOOD FAITH

Q: What are the rights of a possessor?

BAD FAITH

1. Right to refund; 2. Right of retention;

A: RPR 1. to be Respected in his possession 2. to be Protected in said possession by legal means 3. to secure in an action for forcible entry the proper writ to Restore him in his possession (Art. 539, NCC)

Right to refund

Note: During his possession, he is not obliged to pay rent nor damages in case he refuses to vacate the premises.

Q: During his lifetime, Velasco acquired Lot A from spouses Sacluti and Obial evidenced by a deed of sale. In 1987, spouses Padilla entered the said property as trustees by virtue of a deed of sale executed by the Rural Bank. The Padilla’s averred that the Solomon spouses owned the property which was identified as Lot B. However, it was proved during trial that the land occupied by spouses Padilla was Lot A in the name of Velasco, whereas the land sold by the bank to the spouses Padilla was Lot B. The heirs of Velasco demanded that spouses Padilla vacate the property, but they refused. Thus, the heirs filed a complaint for accion publiciana. Who has the better right of possession?

Q: Why is there no right of retention in case of bad faith?

A: The heirs of Velasco has the better right. Accion publiciana, or for recovery of the right to possess is an action filed in the RTC to determine the better right to possession of realty independently of the title. The objective of the plaintiffs in accion publiciana is to recover possession only, not ownership. Lot A was the subject of a cadastral case. The OCT was issued to Sacluti and Obial who sold the same to Artemio. From the date of sale, until Artemio’s death, he was in continuous possession of the land.

Q: What are the rights of a possessor with regard to useful expenses?

A: As punishment for his bad faith. Q: Is there right of removal? A: None, whether in good faith or bad faith. Necessary expenses affect the existence or substance of the property itself. Note: Improvements be so incorporated to the principal thing that their separation must necessarily reduce the value of the thing not curable by ordinary repairs.

A: If in good faith: 1. Right to refund 2. Right of retention until paid 3. Right of removal, provided: a. without damage to the principal thing b. subject to the superior right of the prevailing party to keep the improvements by paying the expenses or the increase in value of the thing

Q: Has the action already prescribed?

Q: What are the rights of a possessor with regard to expenses for pure luxury?

A: No. The remedy of accion publiciana prescribes after the lapse of ten years. In the present case, the action was filed with the RTC in 1991. Spouses Padilla dispossessed the heirs of Velasco of the property in 1987. At the time of the filing of the complaint, only 4 years had elapsed from the time of dispossession. The real right of possession is not lost till after the lapse of 10 years (Spouses Padilla v. Velasco, G.R. No. 169956, January 19, 2009).

A: GOOD FAITH Right of removal, Provided: 1. without injury to principal thing; 2. successor in possession does not prefer to refund amount expended.

Q: What are the presumptions in favor of a possessor? A: GCENCE 1. Good faith 2. Continuity of initial good faith 3. Enjoyment in the same character in which possession was acquired until the contrary is proved 4. Non-interruption in favor of the present possessor 5. Continuous possession by the one who recovers possession of which he was wrongfully deprived 6. Extension of possession of real property to all movables contained therein.

127

BAD FAITH same rights, but liable only for the value of the ornaments at the time he enters into possession, in case he prefers to retain


CIVIL LAW Q: What are other rights of possessor? A: With respect to On capital Taxes and On fruits Charges Charges

GOOD FAITH Charged to owner Charged to possessor Pro rata

Gathered or severed fruits

Possessor is entitled to the fruits

Cultivation expenses of gathered fruits

Possessor is not entitled to be reimbursed Share pro-rata between possessor and owner of expenses, net harvest, and charges indemnity to possessor in pro rata: (owner’s option) a. money b. allowing full cultivation and gathering of all fruits No reimbursement Liable if acting with fraudulent intent or negligence, after summons Inure to the owner or lawful possessor

Pending or ungathered fruits

Production expenses of pending fruits Improvements no longer existing Liability for accidental loss or deterioration Improvements due to time or nature

Note: A possessor is protected regardless of the manner of acquisition.


128

BAD FAITH Charged to owner Charged to owner Charge to owner Possessor must return value of fruits already received as well as value of fruits which the owner or legitimate possessor should be entitled (does not apply to possessor in BF) Possessor is entitled to be reimbursed Owner is entitled to the fruits

No indemnity

No reimbursement Liable in every case Inure to the owner or lawful possessor

PROPERTY Q: May the owner of a property eject the possessor forcibly without court intervention?

USUFRUCT CHARACTERISTICS

A: No. The owner must resort to the courts and cannot forcibly eject a possessor (Bago v. Garcia, No. 2587, January 8, 1906).

Q: Discuss the concept of usufruct. A: It is the right of a person called usufructuary, to enjoy the property of another called the owner, with the obligation of returning it at the designated time and preserving its form and substance, unless the title constituting it or the law provides otherwise. (Pineda, 2009, p. 387)

LOSS/TERMINATION Q: How is possession lost? A: PRADA 1. Possession of another subject to the provisions of Art. 537, if a person is not in possession for more than one year but less than 10 years he losses possession de fact. This means that he can no longer bring an action of forcible entry or unlawful detainer, since the prescriptive period is one year for such actions. But he may still institute an accion publiciana to recover possession de jure, possession as a legal right or the real right of possession. (Paras, p. 548)

Q: What are the characteristics of usufruct? A: ENA 1.

Note: Acts merely tolerated, and those executed clandestinely and without the knowledge of the possessor of a thing, or by violence, do not affect possession. (Art. 537, Civil Code)

2.

Abandonment Note: Abandonment involves a voluntary renunciation of all rights over a thing 2.

Requisites: a. the abandoner must have been a possessor in the concept of owner (either an owner or mere possessor may respectively abandon either ownership or possession) b. the abandoner must have the capacity to renounce or to alienate ( for abandonment is the repudiation of property right) c. there must be physical relinquishment of the thing or object d. there must be no spes recuperandi (expectation to recover) and no more animus revertendi ( intention to return or get back) (Paras, pp. 344345) 3.

Recovery of the thing by the legitimate owner

4.

Destructionor total loss of the thing – a thing is lost when it perishes or goes out of commerce, or disappears in such a way that its existence is unknown, or it cannot be recovered. (Art. 1189, Civil Code)

5.

Assignment - complete transmission of the thing/right to another by any lawful manner.

3.

Essential – those without which it cannot be termed as usufruct: a. real right (whether registered in the registry of property or not); b. constituted on property. i. real ii. personal; iii. consumable; iv. non-consumable; v. tangible; vi. intangible. c. temporary duration; d. purpose: to enjoy the benefits and derive all advantages from the object as a consequence of normal use or exploitation. Natural – that which ordinarily is present, but a contrary stipulation can eliminate it because it is not essential. a. The obligation of conserving or preserving the form and substance (value) of the thing. b. Transmissible Accidental – those which may be present or absent depending upon the stipulation of parties a. Whether it be pure or a conditional usufruct b. The number of years it will exist c. Whether it is in favor of one person or several, etc.

Q: Is the usufructuary bound to preserve the form and substance of the thing in usufruct? A: GR: Yes. XPN: In case of an abnormal usufruct, whereby the law or the will of the parties may allow the modification of the substance of the thing. Q: Chayong owned a parcel of land which she mortgaged to Michael. Upon the OCT was an annotation of usufructuary rights in favor of Cheddy. Is Michael obliged to investigate Chayong’s title? A: No. The annotation is not sufficient cause to require Michael to investigate Chayong’s title because the latter’s ownership over the property remains unimpaired despite such encumbrance. Only the jus utendi and jus fruendi over the property are transferred to the usufructuary. The

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CIVIL LAW owner of the property maintains the jus disponendi or the power to alienate, encumber, transform, and even destroy the same. (Hemedes v. CA, G.R. Nos. 107132 and 108472, October 08, 1999) Q: Differentiate usufruct from lease. A: CRONEC USUFRUCT

LEASE Nature of the right

Real right only if, as in the case of a Always a real lease over real property, the lease is right registered, or is for more than one year, otherwise it is a personal right

2.

Creator of Right Owner or his May not be the owner, as in the case agent of a sub-lessor or a usufructuary

3.

Origin By law, contract, will of testator or by prescription

By contract, by way of exception by law (as in the case of an implied new lease, or when a builder has built in good faith on the land of another a building, when the land is considerably worth more in value than the building.

4.

Extent of Enjoyment All fruits, uses and benefits

Only those particular or specific use. Cause

A passive owner who allows the usufructuary to enjoy the object of usufruct

5. An active owner who makes the lessee enjoy

Repairs and Taxes Usufructuary pays for ordinary repairs and pays for annual charges and taxes on the fruits

act mortis causa (e.g. in a last will and testament) c. Mixed (or prescriptive) – created by both law and act of the person (e.g. acquired by prescription: I possessed in good faith a parcel of land which really belonged to another. Still in good faith, I gave in my will to X, the naked ownership of land and to Y, the usufruct. In due time, Y may acquire the ownership of the usufruct by acquisitive prescription.) (Paras, p. 572) As to Number of beneficiary a. Simple – if only one usufructuary enjoys the usufruct b. Multiple – if several usufructuaries enjoy the usufruct i. simultaneous – at the same time. ii. successive – one after the other. As to Extent of object: a. Total – constituted on the whole thing b. Partial – constituted only on a part As to Subject matter: a. Over things i. Normal (or perfect or regular) – involves non consumable things where the form and substance are preserved ii. Abnormal (or imperfect or irregular) – involves consumable things b. Over rights – involves intangible property; rights must not be personal or intransmissible in character so present or future support cannot be an object of usufruct. As to Effectivity or extinguishment: a. Pure – no term or condition b. With a term – there is a period which may be either suspensive or resolutory i. ex die – from a certain day ii. in diem – up to a certain day iii. ex die in diem – from a certain day up to a certain day. c. Conditional – subject to a condition which may be either suspensive or resolutory.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF USUFRUCTUARY Lessee is not obliged to pay for repairs/taxes

Q: What are the rights of the usufructuary as to the thing and its fruits? A: RISERI-CR 1. To Receive the fruits of the property in usufruct and half of the hidden treasure he accidentally finds on the property (Arts. 566, 438, NCC) 2. To enjoy any Increase which the thing in usufruct may acquire through accession (Art. 571, NCC) 3. To personally Enjoy the thing or lease it to another (Arts. 572-577, NCC)generally for the same or shorter period as the usufruct 4. To make such Improvements or expenses on the property he may deem proper and to remove the improvements provided no damage is caused to the property (Art. 579, NCC)

CLASSIFICATION Q: What are the kinds of usufruct? A: ONES-E 1. As to Origin: a. Legal – created by law such as usufruct of the parents over the property of their unemancipated children b. Voluntary – created by will of the parties either by act inter vivos (e.g. donation) or by UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

130

PROPERTY 5.

6.

7.

8.

To Set-off the improvements he may have made on the property against any damage to the same (Art. 580, NCC) To Retain the thing until he is reimbursed for advances for extraordinary expenses and taxes on the capital (Art. 612, NCC) To Collect reimbursements from the owner for indispensable extra ordinary repairs, taxes on the capital he advanced, and damages caused to him To Remove improvements made by him if the same will not injure the property

3.

Property which has been Appraised when delivered.

Note: if it has not yet been appraised or if it is not a consumable: return the same quality (mutuum)

Q: What are the rights of the usufructuary as to advances and damages? A: To be: ITD 1. reimbursed for Indispensable extraordinary repairs made by him

Q: 120-hectares of land from the NHA property were reserved for the site of the National Government Center. 7 hectares from which were withdrawn from the operation. These revoked lands were reserved for the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation, Inc. (MSBF). However, MSBF occupied approximately 16 hectares and leased a portion thereof to Bulacan Garden Corporation (BGC). BGC occupies 4,590 sqm. Implementing such revocation, NHA ordered BGC to vacate its occupied area. BGC then filed a complaint for injunction. Has BGC any right over the leased premises?

Note: The reimbursement shall be in the amount equal to the increase in value of the property (Art. 594, NCC)

2. 3.

reimbursed for Taxes on the capital advanced by him (Art. 597, par. 2, NCC) indemnified for Damages caused by usufructuary to the naked owner (Art. 581, NCC)

Q: What are the rights of a usufructuary on pending natural and industrial fruits? A:

A: A usufructuary may lease the object held in usufruct. The owner of the property must respect the lease entered into by the usufructuary so long as the usufruct exists. MSBF was given a usufruct over only a 7-hectare area. NHA cannot evict BGC if the 4,590 square meter portion MSBF leased to BGC is within the 7-hectare area held in usufruct by MSBF. However, the NHA has the right to evict BGC if BGC occupied a portion outside of the 7-hectare area covered by MSBF's usufructuary rights (NHA v. CA, G.R. No. 148830, Apr. 13, 2005). Q: What are the rights of the usufructuary as to the usufruct itself?

Fruits Growing:

Rights of the usufructuary

At the beginning of the usufruct

not bound to refund to the owner the expenses of cultivation and production

At the termination of the usufruct

belong to the owner but he is bound to reimburse the usufructuary of the ordinary cultivation expenses (Art. 545, NCC) out of the fruits received (Art. 443, NCC)

A: ARC

Note: Civil fruits accrue daily, stock dividends and cash dividends are considered civil fruits.

1. To Alienate or mortgage the right of usufruct (Art. 572, NCC)

Q: What if the expenses exceed the proceeds of the growing fruits?

XPN: parental usufruct (Arts. 225, 226 FC)

A: The owner has no obligation to reimburse the difference. (Art. 567, NCC)

2. In a usufruct to Recover property/real right, to bring the action and to oblige the owner thereof to give him the proper authority and the necessary proof to bring the action (Art. 578, NCC)

Q: May the usufructuary lease the thing in usufruct even without the owner’s consent A: Yes, but not being the owner, he cannot alienate, pledge or mortgage the thing itself.

3. In a usufruct of part of a Common property, to exercise all the rights pertaining to the co-owner with respect to the administration and collection of fruits or interests.

Q: May the usufructuary alienate, pledge, or mortgage the right of usufruct?

Q: Can usufructuary exercise acts of ownership? A: Yes, he, being the owner of the right itself. (Art. 572, NCC)

A: GR: A usufructuary cannot exercise acts of ownership such as alienation or conveyance. XPNs: When what is to be alienated or conveyed is a: CIA 1. Consumable’ 2. Property Intended for sale;

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CIVIL LAW Q: Up to when may the transferee enjoy the rights transferred to him by the usufructuary?

b.

Replace the young of animals that die or are lost or become prey when the usufruct is constituted on a flock or herd of livestock; c. Make ordinary repairs d. Notify the owner of urgent extra-ordinary repairs e. Permit works & improvements by the naked owner not prejudicial to the usufruct f. Pay annual taxes and charges on the fruits g. Pay interest on taxes on capital paid by the naked owner h. Pay debts when usufruct is constituted on the whole patrimony i. Secure the naked owner’s/court's approval to collect credits in certain cases j. Notify the owner of any prejudicial act committed rd by 3 persons k. Pay for court expenses and costs 3. At the termination a. Return the thing in usufruct to the naked owner unless there is a right of retention b. Pay legal interest for the time that the usufruct lasts c. Indemnify the naked owner for any losses due to his negligence or of his transferees

A: Until the expiration of the usufruct. Transfer of usufructuary rights, gratuitous or onerous, is co-terminous with the term of usufruct. Q: What happens if the thing subject of usufruct is mortgaged by the owner? A: Usufructuary has no obligation to pay mortgage. But if the same is attached, the owner becomes liable for whatever is lost by the usufructuary. Q: To what may the usufructuary be liable for? A: For the damages suffered by the usufructuary on account of fraud committed by him or through his negligence. Q: When is the usufructuary not liable? A: 1. 2.

For deterioration due to wear and tear For deterioration due to a fortuitous event

Note: If the animals all perish w/o fault but due to contagious disease/uncommon event –deliver remains saved. If the young of animals perished in part due to accident, usufruct continues on remaining portion. If the usufruct is constituted on sterile animals, they are considered as if fungible and have the obligation to replace same kind and quality.

Q: What are the rights and obligations of the usufructuary with respect to consumable things? A: The usufructuary shall have the right to make use of the consumable thing. At the termination of the usufruct, the usufructuary has the obligation to: 1. If the thing has been appraised, pay its appraised value; 2. If the thing has not been appraised: a. Return the same quantity and quality; or b. Pay its current price at such termination.

Q: What are the effects of failure to post a bond or security? A: 1.

Q: What if the damages exceed the value of the improvements? A: The usufructuary is liable for the difference as indemnity.

2. 3.

Q: What if the improvements exceed the amount of damages? A: He may remove the portion of the improvements representing the excess in value if it can be done without injury; otherwise, the excess in value accrues to the owner.

Q: What are the effects of failure to give security? A: 1.

Q: Why do improvements accrue to the owner? A: Because there is no indemnity for improvements. Q: What are the obligations of the usufructuary? A: 1. Before the usufruct a. Make an inventory b. Give security 2. During the usufruct a. Take care of property


The owner shall have the following options: a. receivership of realty; b. sale of movables; c. deposit of securities; or d. investment of money; or e. retention of the property as administrator. The net product shall be delivered to the usufructuary; The usufructuary cannot collect credit due or make investments of the capital without the consent of the owner or of the court until the bond is given.

2.

132

On the rights of the naked owner a. May deliver the property to the usufructuary b. May choose retention of the property as administrator c. May demand receivership or administration of the real property, sale of movable, conversion or deposit of credit instruments or investment of cash or profits On the rights of the usufructuary a. Cannot posses the property until he gives security b. Cannot administer property c. Cannot collect credits that have matured nor invest them except the court or naked owner consents

PROPERTY d.

May alienate his right to usufruct.

because they are not needed for the preservation of the thing.

Q: When may the usufructuary be exempt from the obligation to give security?

XPN:He shall have the right to demand the payment of the increase in value at the termination of the usufruct provided that: 1. He notified the owner of the urgency of the repairs 2. The owner failed to make repairs notwithstanding such notification 3. The repair is necessary for the preservation of the property.

A: When: SIR 1. No one will be Injured by the lack of the bond; 2. The donor (or parent) Reserved the usufruct of the property donated; 3. The usufruct is Subject to caucion juratoria where: a. The usufructuary: takes an oath to take care of the things and restore them to its previous state before the usufruct is constituted. b. The property subject to such cannot be alienated or encumbered or leased.

Q: Does the usufructuary have a right of retention even after the termination of the usufruct? A: Yes, until he is reimbursed for the increase in value of the property caused by extraordinary repairs for preservation.

Q: What is caucion juratoria? A: The usufructuary, being unable to file the required bond or security, files a verified petition in the proper court asking for the delivery of the house and furniture necessary for himself and his family without any bond or security. (Art. 587)

Q: How is the increase in value determined? A: It is the difference between the value of the property before the repairs were made and the value after the repairs have been made.

Q: When does the usufructuary start to have a right to the proceeds and benefits after the security has been given?

RIGHTS OF THE OWNER

A: He shall have a right to all the proceeds and benefits from the day on which he should have commenced to receive them. (Art. 588, NCC)

Q: What are the rights of a naked owner and the limitations imposed upon him?

Q: What are ordinary repairs?

A: Rights

A: Such as are required by the wear and tear due to the natural use of the thing and are indispensable for its preservation. (Art. 592, NCC)

Alienation Alteration

Note: GR: Usufructuary has no liability when the thing deteriorates due to wear and tear. He is obliged to return the thing in such state.

Enjoyment

XPN: when there is fraud or negligence

Q: What are extraordinary repairs? A: 1.

2.

Construction and Improvement

Those required by the wear and tear due to the natural use of the thing but not indispensable for its preservation. Those required by the deterioration of or damage to the thing caused by exceptional circumstances and are indispensable for its preservation.

Q: What is the effect of the death of the naked owner on the usufruct? A: It does not terminate the usufruct. transmitted to his heirs.

Q: Who pays for extraordinary repairs? A: Depends on the kind of extraordinary repairs: (Art. 594, NCC) 1. If made by the owner - he can make them but to his expense and he shall have the right to demand from the usufructuary the payment of legal interest on the amount expended during the duration of the usufruct. 2.

Limitations Can alienate the thing in usufruct Cannot alter the form and substance Cannot do anything prejudicial to the usufructuary Can construct any works and make any improvement provided it does not diminish the value or the usufruct or prejudice the rights of the usufructuary.

His rights are

Q: Is renunciation an assignment of right? A: No, it is really abandonment by the usufructuary of his right and does not require the consent of the naked owner but it is subject to the rights of creditors.

If made by the usufructuary – GR: The usufructuary may make them but he is not entitled to indemnity

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CIVIL LAW Q: What is the obligation of the owner if the property held in usufruct is expropriated for public use?

son. Thus, the general rule and not the exception should apply in this case.

A: The owner is obliged to: 1. either replace it; or 2. pay legal interest to usufructuary of the net proceeds of the same.

Q: What are considered special usufructs? A: These are usufruct on: 1. Pension or income (Art. 570, NCC) 2. Property owned in common (Art. 582, NCC) 3. Cattle (livestock) (Art. 591, NCC) 4. On Vineyards and woodland (Arts 575-576, NCC) 5. Right of action (Art. 578, NCC) 6. Mortgaged property (Art. 600, NCC) 7. over the Entire patrimony (Art. 598, NCC) 8. things which Gradually deteriorate (Art. 573, NCC) 9. Consumable property (Art. 574, NCC)

Q: What happens when a part of the thing subject of the usufruct is lost? A: The remaining part shall continue to be held in usufruct. Q: Can usufruct be constituted in favor of a town, corporation or association? A: Yes, but it cannot be for more than 50 years. Q: A usufruct is constituted on an immovable where a building is erected, and the building is destroyed, what will happen?

Q: How is usufruct extinguished?

A: Usufructuary will have the right to make use of the land and materials.

A: PLDT-ERM 1. Acquisitive Prescription

EXTINCTION/TERMINATION

Q: An insurance covering the object of usufructuary was obtained, who gets the proceeds?

Note: The use by a third person and not the non-use by the usufructuary

A: If both of them paid premium: both will share in the insurance proceeds. If it was only the owner who paid, then proceeds will go to him alone.

2.

Note: If the loss is only partial, the usufruct continues with the remaining part.

Q: What is the effect of improper use of the thing by the usufructuary?

3.

A: The owner may demand the delivery of and administration of the thing with responsibility to deliver net fruits to usufructuary.

4.

Q: On 1 January 1980, Minerva, the owner of a building granted Petronila a usufruct over the property until 01 June 1998 when Manuel, a son of Petronila, would have reached his 3oth birthday. Manuel, however, died on 1 June 1990 when he was only 26 years old.

5. 6.

Death of the usufructuary; unless a contrary intention appears, since a usufruct is constituted essentially as a lifetime benefit for the usufructuary or in consideration of his person Termination of right of the person constituting the usufruct Expiration of the period or fulfilment of the resolutory condition Renunciation by the usufructuary. Note: It partakes the nature of a condonation or donation, it must comply with the forms of donation.

Minerva notified Petronila that the usufruct had been extinguished by the death of Manuel and demanded that the latter vacate the premises and deliver the same to the former. Petronila refused to vacate the place on the ground that the usufruct in her favor would expire only on th 1 June 1998 when Manuel would have reached his 30 th birthday and that the death of Manuel before his 30 birthday did not extinguish the usufruct. Whose contention should be accepted? (1997 Bar Question)

7.

Merger of the usufruct and ownership in the same person who becomes the absolute owner thereof. (Art. 1275, NCC) EASEMENTS CHARACTERISTICS

Q: What is an easement or servitude?

A: Petronila’s contention is correct. Under Article 606 of the Civil Code, a usufruct granted for the time that may elapse before a third person reaches a certain age shall subsist for the number of years specified even if the third person should die unless there is an express stipulation in the contract that states otherwise.

A: It is an encumbrance imposed upon an immovable for the benefit of: 1. another immovable belonging to a different owner; or 2. for the benefit of a community or one or more persons to whom the encumbered estate does not belong by virtue of which the owner is obliged to abstain from doing or to permit a certain thing to be done on his estate. (Arts. 613- 614, NCC)

In the case at bar, there is no express stipulation that the consideration for the usufruct is the existence of Petronila’s UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Total Loss of the thing

134

PROPERTY 5. Q: Distinguish Dominant Estate from Servient Estate. 6.

Has 2 distinct tenements: dominant and servient estate; Cause must be perpetual.

A: DOMINANT ESTATE Immovable in favor of which, the easement is established Which the right belongs

SERVIENT ESTATE That property or estate which is subject to the dominant estate Upon which an obligation rests.

Q: What is meant by “easement established only on an immovable?” A: The term “immovable” must be understood in its common and not in its legal sense. Q: Distinguish easement from usufruct.

Note: The immovable in favor of which, the easement is established is called the dominant estate; that which is subject thereto, the servient estate.

A: EASEMENT

USUFRUCT Constituted on

Q: Can there be an easement over another easement? Explain. (1995 Bar Question)

On real property

Real or personal Use granted

A: There can be no easement over another easement for the reason that an easement may be constituted only on a corporeal immovable property. An easement, although it is real right over an immovable, is not a corporeal right.

Limited to a particular or specific use of the servient estate

As to right of possession

Q: Differentiate easement from servitude.

Non-possessing right over an Involves a right of possession immovable in an immovable or movable

A: EASEMENT

SERVITUDE

An English law term

Used in civil law countries

Real

Real or personal

The right enjoyed

Burden imposed upon another

As to effect of death Not extinguished by death of dominant owner Real right whether or not registered

Real right whether or not registered

As to transmissibility Transmissible

A: NICE LIAR 1. Is a right limited by the Needs of the dominant owner or estate, without possession; 2. IsInseparable from the estate to which it is attached cannot be alienated independently of the estate; (Art. 617, NCC) 3. Cannot consist in the doing of an act unless the act is accessory in relation to a real easement; 4. Involves 2 neighboring Estates: the dominant estate to which the right belongs and the servient estate upon which an obligation rests; 5. Is a Limitation on the servient owner’s rights of ownership; 6. Is Indivisible- not affected by the division of the estate between two or more persons; (Art. 618, NCC) 7. It is enjoyed over Another immovable never on one’s own property; 8. Is a Real right but will affect third persons only when registered.

Transmissible

How it may be constituted May be constituted in favor, or, burdening, a piece of land held in usufruct

Cannot be constituted on an easement but it may be constituted on the land burdened by an easement

Q: Can there be: 1. An easement over a usufruct? A: There can be no easement over a usufruct. Since an easement may be constituted only on a corporeal immovable property, no easement may be constituted on a usufruct which is not a corporeal right. 2. A usufruct over an easement? A: There can be no usufruct over an easement. While a usufruct may be created over a right, such right must have an existence of its own independent of the property. A servitude cannot be the object of a usufruct because it has no existence independent of the property to which it attaches.

Q: What are essential qualities of easements?

4.

Extinguished by death of usufructuary

Nature of right

Q: What are characteristics of easement?

A: 1. 2. 3.

Includes all uses and fruits

Incorporeal; Imposed upon corporeal property; Confer no right to a participation in the profits arising from it; Imposed for the benefit of corporeal property;

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CIVIL LAW Q: Distinguish easement from lease.

easement should be constituted, since no one objected to the continued existence of the windows.

A: Easement

Note: It is understood that there is an exterior sign contrary to the easement of party wall whenever: 1. there is a window or opening in the dividing wall of buildings 2. entire wall is built within the boundaries of one of the estates 3. the dividing wall bears the burden of the binding beams, floors and roof frame of one of the buildings, but not those of the others 4. the lands enclosed by fences or live hedges adjoin others which are not enclosed In all these cases, ownership is deemed to belong exclusively to the owner of the property which has in its favor the presumption based on any of these signs.

Lease Nature

Real right whether Real right only when registered or not registered OR when the (whether real or personal) lease exceeds 1 yr. Where constituted Only on real properties

Real or personal

Limitations on the use of right There is limited right to the Limited right to both use of real property of possession and use of another but w/o right of another’s property possession

Q: What is the effect of acknowledgement of an easement in one owns property?

Scope and Uses Covers all fruits and uses as a Generally covers only rule particular or specific use

a

A: An acknowledgement of the easement is an admission that the property belongs to another (BOMEDCO v. Heirs of Valdez, G.R. No. 124669).

Who may create Can be created only by the owner, or by a duly authorized agent, acting in behalf of the owner

The lessor may or may not be the owner as when there is a sub-lease or when the lessor is only a usufructuary

Q: How is easement acquired? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

How it is created GR: only by contract; May be created by: law, contract, last will or prescription

XPN: by law as in the case of an implied new lease, or when a builder has built in GF on the land of another a building, when the land is considerably worth more in value than the building

5.

PARTIES TO AN EASEMENT Q: Who are the parties to an easement? A: 1.

Passive or Active Owner The owner is more or less The owner or lessor is more passive, and he allows the or less active usufructuary to enjoy the thing given in usufruct

2.

Who has the duty to make repairs

Dominant estate – refers to the immovable for which the easement was established. Servient estate – the estate which provides the service or benefit.

Q: What are the rights of the dominant owner?

Usufructuary has the duty to Lessee generally has no duty make the ordinary repairs to pay for repairs

A: MARE 1. Exercise all rights necessary for the use of the easement (Art. 625, NCC) 2. Make on the servient estate all works necessary for the use and preservation of the servitude (Art. 627 par. 1, NCC) 3. Renounce the easement if he desires to exempt from contributing necessary expenses (Art. 628, NCC) 4. Ask for mandatory injunction to prevent impairment of his right (Resolme v. Lazo, 27 Phil 416).

Who bears payment of taxes and charges on the property Usufructuary pays for the Lessee generally pays no annual charges and taxes taxes and on the fruits Limitation on the use of the property The lessee cannot constitute Usufructuary may lease the a usufruct on the property property to another leased

Q: What are the obligations of the dominant owner?

Q: What is the doctrine of apparent sign?

A: CAN C 1. He cannot Alter the easement or render it more burdensome. (Art. 627 par. 1, NCC)

A: Easements are inseparable from the estate to which they actively or passively pertain. The existence of apparent sign under Art. 624 is equivalent to a title. It is as if there is an implied contract between the two new owners that the UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Prescription of 10 years By deed of recognition By final judgment By apparent sign established by the owner of two adjoining estates By title

136

PROPERTY 2.

3.

4.

He shall Notify the servient owner of works necessary for the use and preservation of the servitude. (Art. 627 par. 2, NCC) He must Choose the most convenient time and manner of making the necessary works as to cause the least inconvenience to the servient owner. If there are several dominant estates he must Contribute to the necessary expenses in proportion to the benefits derived from the works (Art. 628 par. 1, NCC)

a.

5.

Q: What are the rights of the servient owner? A: RMC 1. Retain the ownership of the portion of the estate on which easement is imposed 2. Make use of the easement unless there is an agreement to the contrary. (Art. 628 par. 2, NCC), 3. Change the place or manner of the use of the easement, provided it be equally convenient (Art. 629, par. 2, NCC)

6.

7.

Q: What are the obligations or limitations imposed on the servient owner? A: IC 1. He cannot Impair the use of the easement. 2. He must Contribute to the necessary expenses in case he uses the easement, unless otherwise agreed upon (Art. 628 par. 2, NCC)

e.g. right of way - imposes the duty to allow the use of said way. b.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF EASEMENT

2.

3.

As to recipient of the benefit: a. Real (or Predial) – The easement is in favor of another immovable. b. Personal – The easement is in favor of a community, or of one or more persons to whom the encumbered estate does not belong (easement of right of way for passage of livestock). As to purpose or nature of limitation: a. Positive – One which impose upon the servient estate the obligation of allowing something to be done or of doing it himself. b. Negative – That which prohibits the owner of the servient estate from doing something which he could lawfully do if the easement did not exist As to the manner of exercised: a. Continuous – Their use may or may not be incessant

Q: How is an easement extinguished? A: 1.

By redemption agreed upon in case of voluntary redemption. 2. Expiration of the term or fulfilment of the resolutory condition. 3. Merger of ownership of the dominant and servient estate 4. Annulment of the title or servitude. 5. Permanent impossibility to use easement. 6. Non user for 10 years 7. Bad condition 8. Resolution of the right to create the servitude. 9. Expropriation of the servient estate. 10. Waiver by the dominant owner LEGAL EASEMENT

Note: For acquisitive prescription, the easement of aqueduct and easement of light and view are considered continuous.

Q: What is a Legal Easement? A: An easement established by law for public use or for the interest of private persons.

b. 4.

Negative – Prohibits the owner of the servient estate from doing something which he could lawfully do if the easement did not exist. e.g. Easement of light and view where the owner is prohibited from obstructing the passage of light.

Q: What are the classifications of easements? A: 1.

Apparent – Made known and continually kept in view by external signs that reveal the use and enjoyment of the same b. Non-apparent – They show no external indication of their existence. As to the right given: a. Right to partially use the servient estate b. Right to get specific materials or objects from the servient estate c. Right to participate in ownership d. Right to impede or prevent the neighboring estate from performing a specific act of ownership. As to source: a. Legal – those created by law for public use or private interests. b. Voluntary - constituted by will or agreement of the parties or by testator. c. Mixed – created partly by agreement and partly by law. As to the duty of the servient owner: a. Positive – Imposes upon the owner of the servient estate the obligation of allowing something to be done or doing it himself.

Discontinuous – used at intervals and depend upon the acts of man. As to whether their existence is indicated:

Q: What is a Public Legal Easement? A: A Public Legal Easement is for public or communal use.

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CIVIL LAW Q: What is a Private Legal Easement?

Q: What if the property is not the shortest way and will not cause the least damage to the servient estate?

A: A Private Legal Easements is for the interest of private persons or for private use.

A: The way which will cause the least damage should be used even if it will not be the shortest.

Q: What are the kinds of legal easements? A: WIND – PLW 1. Easement relating to Waters 2. Easement relating to right of Way 3. Intermediate distances and works construction and plantings 4. Easement against Nuisance 5. Drainage of Building 6. Easement of Party wall 7. Easement of Light and view

for

The easement of right of way shall be established at the point least prejudicial to the servient estate and where the distance from the dominant estate to a public highway is the shortest. In case of conflict, the criterion of least prejudice prevails over the criterion of shortest distance

certain

Q: What does “least prejudicial” mean in determining the right of way? A: It means it is the shortest way and the one which will cause the least damage to the property to the servient estate in favor of the dominant estate.

RIGHT OF WAY

Q: The coconut farm of Federico is surrounded by the lands of Romulo. Federico seeks a right of way through a portion of the land of Romulo to bring his coconut products to the market. He has chosen a point where he will pass through a housing project of Romulo. The latter wants him to pass another way which is 1km longer. Who should prevail? (2000 Bar Question)

Q: What is right of way? A: It is the right to demand that the owner of an estate surrounded by other estates be allowed to pass thru the neighboring estates after payment of proper indemnity. Q: Can easement of right of way be acquired by prescription?

A: Romulo will prevail. Under Art. 650, the easement of right of way shall be established at the point least prejudicial to the servient estate and where the distance from the dominant estate to a public highway is the shortest. In case of conflict, the criterion of least prejudice prevails over the criterion of shortest distance. Since the route chosen by Federico will prejudice the housing project of Romulo, Romulo has the right to demand that Federico pass another way even though it will be longer.

A: No, because it is discontinuous or intermittent (Ronquillo, et al. v. Roco, GR No. L-10619, February 28, 1958). Q: What kind of servitude in favor of the government is a private owner required to recognize? A: The only servitude which he is required to recognize in favor of the government is: 1. the easement of a public highway, 2. private way established by law, or 3. any government canal or lateral that has been pre-existing at the time of the registration of the land.

Q: Spouses dela Cruz are occupants of a parcel of land located at the back of Ramiscal’s property. They use as their pathway, to and from the nearest public highway from their property, a long strip of land owned by Ramiscal. They also enclosed such strip of land with a gate, fence, and roof. Ramiscal demanded that the spouses demolish the same. The spouses refused. Are the spouses entitled to a right of way?

Note: If the easement is not pre-existing and is sought to be imposed only after the land has been registered under the LR Act, proper expropriation proceedings should be had, and just compensation paid to the registered owner (Eslaban v. Vda De Onorio, G.R. No. 146062).

A: No. There is no voluntary nor legal easement established. The spouses failed to show that they entered into an agreement with Ramiscal to use the pathway. Art 649 provides that the easement of right of way is not compulsory if the isolation of the immovable is due to the proprietor’s own acts. Mere convenience for the dominant estate is not enough to serve as its basis. There should be no other adequate outlet to a public highway. Also, under Art. 649, it is the owner or any person who by virtue of a real right may cultivate or use any immovable surrounded by other immovable pertaining to other persons, who is entitled to demand a right of way through the neighboring estates. Here, the spouses fell short of proving that they are the owners of the supposed dominant estate (Eslaban v. Vda De Onorio, G.R. No. 146062).

Q: What are the requisites for easement on right of way? A: POON-D 1. The easement must be established at the point least Prejudicial to the servient estate 2. Claimant must be an Owner of enclosed immovable or with real right 3. There must be no adequate Outlet to a public highway 4. The right of way must be absolutely Necessary not mere convenience 5. The isolation must not be Due to the claimant’s own act 6. There must be payment of proper Indemnity.


138

PROPERTY Q: David owns a subdivision which does not have an access to the highway. When he applied for a license to establish the subdivision, he represented that he will purchase a rice field located between his land and the highway, and develop it into an access road. However, when the license was granted, he did not buy the rice field, which remained unutilized. Instead, he chose to connect his subdivision with the neighboring subdivision of Nestor, which has an access to the highway. When Nestor and David failed to arrive at an agreement as to compensation, Nestor built a wall across the road connecting with David’s subdivision. Is David entitled to an easement of right of way through the subdivision of Nestor which he claims to be the most adequate and practical outlet to the highway?

Q: Is said extinguishment automatic? A: No. There must be a demand for extinguishment coupled with tender of indemnity by the servient owner. Q: Emma bought a parcel of land from Equitable-PCI Bank, which acquired the same from Felisa, the original owner. Thereafter, Emma discovered that Felisa had granted a right of way over the land in favor of the land of Georgina, which had no outlet to apublic highway, but the easment was not annotated when the servient estate was registered under the Torrens system. Emma then filed a complaint for cancellation of the right of way, on the ground that it had been extinguished by such failure to annotate. How would you decide the controversy? (2001 Bar Question)

A: No, David is not entitled to the right of way being claimed. The isolation of his subdivision was due to his own act or omission because he did not develop an access road to the rice fields which he was supposed to purchase according to his own representation when he applied for a license to establish the subdivision (Floro v. Llenado, 244 SCRA 713).

A: The complaint for cancellation of easement of right of way must fail. The failure to annotate the easement upon the title of the servient estate is not among the grounds for extinguishing an easement under Art. 631 of the NCC. Under Art 617, easements are inseparable from the estate to which they actively or passively belong. Once it attaches, it can only be extinguished under Art 631, and they exist even if they are not stated or annotated as an encumbrance on the Torrens title of the servient estate.

Q: How much is the proper indemnity to the servient estate?

OTHER LEGAL EASEMENTS

A: If the passage is: a. Continuous and permanent - the indemnity consists of the value of the land occupied plus the amount of damages caused to the servient estate. b. Temporary – indemnity consists in the payment of the damage caused

WATERS Q: What are the different easements relating to waters? A: These are: DRAW – BN 1. Natural drainage (Art. 637) 2. drainage of Buildings (Art. 674) 3. easement on Riparian banks for navigation, floatage, fishing, salvage, and tow path (Art. 638) 4. easement of a Dam (Arts. 639, 647) 5. easement for drawing Water or for watering animals (Arts. 640-641) 6. easement of Aqueduct (Arts. 642- 636)

Q: How wide should an easement of right of way be? A: The width of the easement shall be that which is sufficient for the needs of the dominant estate. (Art. 651, NCC) Q: Can a dominant owner demand a driveway for his automobile?

NATURAL DRAINAGE

A: Yes, due to necessity of motor vehicles in the present age. Q: Who is responsible for repairs and taxes?

Note: Lower estates must receive waters which are naturally and without intervention of man descend from higher estates including earth and stones carried with them.

A: 1.

Q: What are its limitations?

2.

As to repairs the dominant owner is liable for necessary repairs. As to proportionate share of the taxes it shall be reimbursed by said owner to the proprietor of the servient estate. This applies only to permanent easements. (Art. 654, NCC)

A: 1. 2.

Q: What are the special causes of extinguishment of right of way? A: 1. 2.

Dominant owner must not increase the burden but he may erect works to avoid erosion. The servient owner must not impede the descent of water (but may regulate it). EASEMENT FOR DRAWING WATER OR FOR WATERING ANIMALS

Note: This is a combined easement for drawing of water and right of way.

The opening of a public road, or Joining the dominant tenement to another which has an exit to a public road.

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CIVIL LAW Q: What are the requisites for easement for watering cattle?

Q: What are the presumptions (juris tantum) of existence of a party wall?

A: 1. 2.

A: 1. 2. 3.

It must be imposed for reasons of public use It must be in favor of a town or village indemnity must be paid Note: The right to make the water flow thru or under intervening or lower estates

4.

Rebuttal of presumption: 1. Title 2. By contrary proof 3. By signs contrary to the existence of the servitude (Arts. 660 & 661, NCC)

Q: What are the requisites for drawing water or for watering of animals? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

In adjoining walls of building, up to common elevation In dividing walls of gardens and yards (urban) In dividing fences, walls and live hedges of rural tenements In ditches or drains between tenements

Owner of the dominant estate has the capacity to dispose of the water; The water is sufficient for the use intended Proposed right of way is the most convenient and the least onerous to third persons. Pay indemnity to the owner of the servient estate (Art. 643)

Note: If the signs are contradictory, they cancel each other.

Q: Who spends for the cost of repairs and construction of party walls? A: The part-owners. They are obliged to contribute in proportion to their respective interests.

EASEMENT OF AQUEDUCT Q: How is the easement of aqueduct considered?

Q: May an owner refuse to contribute?

A: For legal purposes, it is considered continuous and apparent even though the flow of water may not be continuous or its use depends upon the needs of the dominant estate or upon a schedule of alternate days or hours. (Art. 646, NCC)

A: GR: Yes, any owner may free himself from the obligation to contribute by renouncing his rights in the party wall. XPN: When the party wall actually supports his building, he cannot refuse to contribute for the expenses or repair and construction. (Art. 662, NCC)

PARTY WALL XPN to XPN: If the owner renounces his partownership of the wall, in this case he shall bear the expenses of repairs and work necessary to prevent any damage which demolition may cause to the party wall. (Art. 663, NCC)

Q: What is a party wall? A: A common wall which separates two estates, built by common agreement at the dividing line such that it occupies a portion of both estates on equal parts.

Q: May an owner increase the height of a party wall?

Note: It is a kind of compulsory co-ownership.

A: Yes, provided that he must: 1. do so at his own expense; 2. pay for any damage caused even if it is temporary; 3. He must bear the cost of maintaining the portion added; 4. He must pay the increased cost of preservation of the wall (Art. 664, NCC); 5. He shall be obliged to reconstruct the wall at his expense if necessary for the wall to bear the increased height and if additional thickness is required, he shall provide the space therefore from his own land.

Q: Distinguish easement of party wall from co-ownership. A: PARTY WALL

CO-OWNERSHIP

Shares of co-owners cannot be physically segregated but they can be physically identified

Can be divided physically; a co-owner cannot point to any definite portion of the property belonging to him

None of the co-owners may use the community property No limitation as to use of the for his exclusive benefit party wall for exclusive because he would be benefit of a party invading on the rights of the others Any owner may free himself from contributing to the cost of repairs and construction of a party wall by renouncing ALL his rights

DRAINAGE OF BUILDINGS Q: Define drainage of buildings A: It is the right to divert the rain waters from one’s own roof to the neighboring estate.

Partial renunciation is allowed


140

PROPERTY Q: What are the conditions for drainage of buildings? A: 1. 2. 3.

MODES OF ACQUIRING EASEMENTS COMPULSORY EASEMENTS

No adequate outlet The outlet must be at the point where egress is easiest and establishing a conduit for the drainage of water Proper indemnity

Q: How are easements acquired? A: FART-P 1. By Title – All easements: a. Continuous and apparent (Art. 620) b. Continuous non-apparent (Art. 622) c. discontinuous, whether apparent or nonapparent (Art. 622) 2. By Prescription of ten years – continuous and apparent (Art. 620) 3. By deed of Recognition 4. By Final judgment 5. By Apparent sign established by the owner of the two adjoining estates

LATERAL AND SUBJACENT SUPPORT Q: Can there be a stipulation or testamentary provision allowing excavations that could cause danger to an adjacent land or building? A: No, the same shall be void. (Art. 685, NCC) Q: What should be done first before making an excavation? A: Any proprietor who intends to make any excavation shall notify all owners of adjacent lands.

Q: How is the prescriptive period computed? A: a.

VOLUNTARY EASEMENT Q: When is an easement voluntary?

b.

A: it is voluntary when it is established by the will of the owners.

Positive easement - the period is counted from the day when the owner of the dominant estate begins to exercise it Negative easement- from the day a notarial prohibition is made on the servient estate

Q: Who may constitute voluntary easements?

EASEMENT OF LIGHT AND VIEW

A: The owner possessing capacity to encumber property may constitute voluntary servitude. If there are various owners, all must consent; but consent once given is not revocable.

Q: What is easement of light (jus luminum)? A: The right to admit light from neighboring estate by virtue of the opening of a window or the making of certain openings.

Q: For whose favor are voluntary easements established? A: 1.

2.

Q: What is easement of view (jus prospectus)? Predial servitudes: a. for the owner of the dominant estate b. for any other person having any juridical relation with the dominant estate, if the owner ratifies it. Personal servitudes: for anyone capacitated to accept.

A: The right to make openings or windows to enjoy the view thru the estate of another and the power to prevent all constructions or works which could obstruct such view or make the same difficult. Note: It necessarily includes easement of light.

Q: How are voluntary easements created and what are the governing rules for such?

Q: What are its modes of acquisition of easement of light and view?

A: 1.

If created by title (contract, will, etc.), the title governs. 2. If acquired by prescription, it is governed by the manner or form of possession.

A: 1. 2.

By title By prescription

Q: What is the prescriptive period for acquisition of easement of light and view?

Note: In both cases, the Civil Code will only apply suppletorily.

A: 10 years Q: From when does the prescriptive period start to run? A: The reckoning point depends on whether the easement is positive or negative which, in turn, is dependent on where the opening is made if it is made:

141


CIVIL LAW 1.

distance of two meters between the wall in which they are made and such contiguous property. Neither can side or oblique views upon or towards such conterminous property be had, unless there be a distance of 60 cm. The non observance of these distances does not give rise to prescription. (Art. 670, NCC)

On one’s own wall and the wall does not extend over the property of another – The easement is negative. Commencement of Period of prescription - starts from the time formal prohibition is made.

Q: How is easement of light and view extinguished?

Reason: The owner merely exercises his right of dominion and not of an easement. Negative easement is not automatically vested as formal prohibition is a pre-requisite. 2.

A: 1. 2. 3.

Thru a party wall or on one’s own wall which extends over the neighboring estate – The easement is positive.

4. 5.

Commencement of Period of prescription – starts from the time the window is opened.

EXTINGUISHMENT OF EASEMENTS

Reason: owner of the neighboring estate who has a right to close it up allows an encumbrance on his property.

Q: How are easements extinguished? A: MARINE-CREW 1. Merger of ownership of the dominant and servient owner 2. Annulment of the title to the servitude 3. Redemption agreed upon 4. Impossibility to use the easement 5. Non-user : 10 years 6. Expiration of the term or fulfilment of the resolutory condition 7. Bad Condition – when either or both estates fall into such a condition that the easement could not be used 8. Resolution of the right of grantor to create the easement (as when the vendor a retro redeems the land) 9. Expropriation of the servient estate 10. Waiver by the dominant owner gathered from positive acts

Q: How about with regard to openings at height of ceiling joists? A: The owner of a wall which is not a party wall may make an opening to admit light and air, but not view subject to the ff: 1. The size must not be more than 30 square centimeters 2. The opening must be at the height of the ceiling joists or immediately under the ceiling 3. There must be an iron grating imbedded in the wall 4. There must be wire a screen. Q: What are the restrictions as to easement of views? A: 1. 2.

Direct Views: the distance of 2 meters between the wall and the boundary must be observed Oblique Views: (walls perpendicular or at an angle to the boundary line) must not be 60 cm to the nearest edge of the window.

NUISANCE Q: What is a nuisance? A: Any: 1. act, 2. omission, 3. establishment, 4. business or 5. condition of property or 6. anything else which: ISAHO a. Injures/dangers the health or safety of others b. Shocks, defies or disregards decency or morality c. Annoys or offends the senses d. Hinders or impairs the use of property or e. Obstructs or interferes with the free passage to any public highway or street or body of water

Note: Any stipulation to the contrary is void (Art. 673, NCC).

Q: What if the wall upon which an opening is made, becomes a party wall? A: A part-owner can order the closure of the opening. No part-owner may make an opening thru a party wall without the consent of the others. Note: If the wall becomes a party wall the part-owner can close the window unless there is a stipulation to the contrary (Art. 669, NCC)

Q: Does non-observance of the distances provided in Art. 670 give rise to prescription?

Q: May a nuisance be both public and private?

A: No, this refers to a negative easement as the window is thru a wall of the dominant estate.

A: Yes, it is called mixed nuisance.

Note: No windows, apertures, balconies, or other similar projections which afford a direct view upon or towards an adjoining land or tenement can be made, without leaving a


Merger When the easement can no longer be used Expiration of the term (if temporary) or fulfillment of the condition (if conditional) Renunciation of the owner of the dominant estate of the redemption agreed upon Non-user for 10 years

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PROPERTY Q: Distinguish nuisance from trespass. Q: Is a swimming pool an attractive nuisance? A: Nuisance

Trespass

Use of one’s own property which causes injury to another

Direct infringement of another’s right or property

Injury is consequential

Injury is direct and immediate

A: GR: A swimming pool or water tank is not an attractive nuisance, for while it is attractive, it is merely an imitation of the work of nature. Hence, if small children are drowned in an attractive water tank of another, the owner is not liable even if there be no guards in the premises (Hidalgo Enterprises v. Balandan, et. al, L-3422 Jun. 13, 1952). XPN: Swimming pool with dangerous slides

Q: What are the kinds of nuisance? A: 1.

2.

Note: The doctrine of attractive nuisance does not generally apply to bodies of water, artificial as well as natural in the absence of some unusual condition or artificial other than the mere water and its location.

According to the number of persons affected: a. Public (or common) nuisance – is one which affects the community or neighborhood or considerable number of persons b. Private nuisance – is one which affects an individual or few persons only. Other classification of nuisance: a. Nuisance Per Se – that kind of nuisance which is always a nuisance. By its nature, it is always a nuisance at all times and under any circumstances regardless of location of surroundings. b. Nuisance Per Accidens – that kind of nuisance by reason of location, surrounding or in the manner it is conducted or managed.

Q: What are the remedies against nuisance? A: If the nuisance is: PUBLIC Civil action Abatement w/o judicial proceedings Prosecution under RPC/local ordinance

Q: What are the requisites of extra-judicial abatement? A: BAR VID 1. The nuisance must be specially Injurious to the person affected. 2. No Breach of peace or unnecessary injury must be committed 3. Demand must first be made upon the owner or possessor of the property to abate the nuisance. 4. Demand is Rejected 5. Abatement is Approved by the district health officer and executed with the assistance of the local police, and 6. Value of destruction does not exceed P3,000

Q: Distinguish nuisance per se from nuisance per accidens. A: PER SE As a matter of law Need only be proved in any locality

May be summarily abated under the law of necessity

PRIVATE Civil Action Abatement w/o judicial proceedings

PER ACCIDENS As a matter of fact Depends upon its location and surroundings, the manner of its conduct or other circumstances May be abated only with reasonable notice to the person alleged to be maintaining or doing such nuisance

Q: When can an owner of the thing abated recover damages?

Q: What is the doctrine of attractive nuisance?

A: If the thing is found by the court not to be a nuisance, the owner can claim damages.

A. One who maintains on his estate or premises an attractive nuisance without exercising due care to prevent children from playing therewith or resorting thereto, is liable to a child of tender years who is injured thereby, even if the child is technically a trespasser in the premises. (Jarco Marketing Corp. v. CA, 117 SCAD 818, 321 SCRA 375, 1991)

Note: A private person or a public official extra judicially abating a nuisance shall be liable for damages if he causes unnecessary injury or if the alleged nuisance is later declared by the courts to be not real nuisance.

Q: Does the right to question the existence of a nuisance prescribe?

Q: What is the basis for liability?

A: No. It is imprescriptible.

A: The attractiveness is an invitation to children. Safeguards to prevent danger must therefore be set up. Q: What are the elements of attractive nuisance? A: 1. 2.

It must be attractive Dangerous to children of tender years.

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CIVIL LAW MODES OF ACQUIRING OWNERSHIP

As regards the intent to acquire There must be an intent to acquire ownership

Q: Differentiate mode from title.

May be had in the concept of a mere holder

As regards possession

A: MODE

TITLE

May not take place w/o some form of possession

Serves merely to give the Directly and immediately occasion for its acquisition produces a real right or existence Cause

Means

Proximate cause

Remote cause

May exist w/o occupation

As to period Short duration

Generally longer

As to leading to another mode of acquisition

Essence of the right which is Means whereby to be created or transmitted essence is transmitted

Cannot lead to another mode of acquisition

that

May lead to another modeprescription

Q: What are the things susceptible of occupation? Q: What are the modes of acquiring ownership? A: 1.

A: OLD TIPS 1. Occupation 2. Law 3. Donation 4. Tradition 5. Intellectual creation 6. Prescription 7. Succession

Note: Stolen property cannot be subject of occupation

2. 3. 4.

Note: 1. Original – Those which do not arise or depend upon any preexisting right or title of another person, i.e. Occupation, Intellectual Creation, Acquisitive Prescription

2.

Things that are without an owner – res nullius; abandoned

Animals that are the object of hunting and fishing Hidden treasure Abandoned movables

Q: May a person acquire ownership over a wild animal by occupation? A: Wild animals are considered res nullius when not yet captured. After its capture, animals that escaped become res nullius again.

Derivative – are those which arise or depend upon a preexisting or preceding right or title of another person, i.e. Law, Donation, Succession mortis cause, tradition (delivery)

Q: When can land be the object of occupation?

OCCUPATION

A: It depends. 1. If without an owner, it pertains to the State. (Regalian Doctrine) 2. If abandoned and the property is private, it can be the object of occupation. 3. And if the land does not belong to anyone is presumed to be public.

Q: What are the requisites of occupation? A: WISCS 1. There must be Seizure of a thing, 2. which must be a Corporeal personal property, 3. which must be Susceptible of appropriation by nature 4. The thing must be Without an owner 5. There must be an Intention to appropriate.

DONATION DEFINITION

Q: Distinguish occupation from possession. Q: What is donation?

A: OCCUPATION

POSSESSION

A: It is an act of pure liberality whereby a person disposes gratuitously of a thing or right in favor of another who accepts it. (Art. 725, NCC)

As regards acquisition of ownership Mode of acquiring ownership

Merely raises the presumption of ownership when exercised in the concept of owner

Q: What are the requisites of donation? A: ACID 1. Donor must have Capacity to make the donation 2. He must have donative Intent (animus donandi) 3. There must be Delivery 4. Donee must Accept or consent to the donation during the lifetime of the donor and of the donee in case of donation inter vivos (Art. 746, NCC); whereas in case of donation mortis causa, acceptance is made after

As to property involved Involves only corporeal personal property

Any kind of property

As regards ownership of the thing by another Requires that the object be without an owner

The property may be owned by somebody


144

PROPERTY donor’s death because they partake of a will (Art. 728, NCC)

Q: May ownership and usufruct of property be donated to different persons separately?

Q: What are the essential features or elements of a true donation?

A: Yes, provided all the donees are living at the time of donation. (Art. 756, NCC)

A: 1.

Q: Is there a limitation on the amount that can be donated?

2. 3. 4.

Alienation of property by the donor during his lifetime, which is accepted Irrevocability by the donor of the donation Animus Donandi (donative intent) Consequent impoverishment of the donor (diminution of his assets)

A: 1.

2. Q: What rules govern donations of the same thing to different donees? A: These are governed by provisions on double sale as set forth in Art. 1544. (Art. 744, NCC) Note: If the same thing should have been sold to different vendees, the ownership shall be transferred to the person who may have first taken possession thereof in good faith, if it should be movable property. Should it be immovable property, the ownership shall belong to the person acquiring it who in good faith first recorded it in the Registry of Property. Should there be no inscription, the ownership shall pertain to the person who in good faith was first in the possession; and, in the absence thereof, to the person who presents the oldest title, provided there is good faith. (Art. 1544, NCC)

If the donor has forced heirs he cannot give or receive by donation more than what he can give or receive by will. If the donor has no forced heirs, donation may include all present property provided he reserves in full ownership or in usufruct: a. the amount necessary to support him and those relatives entitled to support from him. b. property sufficient to pay the donor’s debt contracted prior to the donation. RESERVATIONS AND REVERSIONS

Q: What is the effect if the donor violates the requirement for reservation under Art. 750? A: A donation where the donor did not reserve property or assets for himself in full ownership or in usufruct sufficient for his support and all relatives legally dependent upon him, is not void. It is merely reducible to the extent that the support to himself and his relatives is impaired or prejudiced. (Pineda Property, p. 571, 1999)

CHARACTERISTICS

Q: What is reversion in donation?

EXTENT TO WHICH DONOR MAY DONATE PROPERTY Q: Up to what extent may a donation cover?

A: It is a condition established in the deed of donation which has for its effect the restoration or return of the property donated to the donor or his estate or in favor of other persons who must be living at the time of the donation for any cause or circumstances. (Art. 757, NCC)

A: It may comprehend all the present property of the donor, or part thereof, provided he reserves, in full ownership or in usufruct, sufficient means for the support of himself, and of all relatives who, at the time of the acceptance of the donation, are by law entitled to be supported by the donor. (Art. 750, NCC)

Note: If the reversion is in favor of other persons who are not all living at the time of the donation, the reversion stipulated shall be void, but the donation shall remain valid.

Q: Can future properties be subject of donation?

Q: What is the standing of the donation where the donor did not reserved property or assets for himself sufficient for his support and all his relatives legally dependent upon him?

A: No, donations cannot comprehend future properties Note: Future property means anything which the donor cannot dispose of at the time of the donation. (Art. 751, NCC)

A: It is valid. It is merely reducible to the extent that the support to himself and his relatives is impaired or prejudiced (Agapito v. De Joya, [CA]. 40 Off. Gaz. P. 3526).

Q: Can future inheritance or the inchoate right to inherit be donated?

KINDS

A: No, because it is future property. Q: May a property, the acquisition of which is subject to suspensive condition, be donated?

Q: What are the kinds of donation? A: 1.

A: Yes, because once the condition is fulfilled, it retroacts to the day the contract is constituted. (Art. 1187, par. 1, NCC)

145

According to motive or cause: SRMO a. Simple


CIVIL LAW st

b. c.

2.

3.

DONATION INTER VIVOS

Remuneratory (1 kind) nd Remuneratory (2 kind): Conditional or Modal donations d. Onerous donations As to perfection or extinguishment: a. Pure b. With a condition c. With a term According to effectivity: a. Inter vivos (Art. 729, Civil Code) b. Mortis Causa (Art. 728, Civil Code) c. Propter Nuptias

Q: What are the limitations imposed by law in making donations inter vivos? A: RFM 1. Donor must Reserve sufficient means for his support and for his relatives who are entitled to be supported by him (Art. 750, NCC) 2. Donation cannot comprehend Future property except donations between future husband and wife (See Art. 84 FC) 3. No person may give by way of donation More than he may give by will

Q: Discuss the kinds of donation according to motive or cause?

DONATION BY REASON OF MARRIAGE

A: PURPOSE

FORM Simple same to that of forms in pure liberality donations st Remuneratory (1 kind) to reward past services provided the services do same to that of forms in not constitute a donations demandable debt. nd Remuneratory (2 kind) 1. reward future services; or 1. Onerous 2. becaus – same form of that e of future charges of contracts or burdens, when 2. Gratuitou the value of said s – same form of that services, burdens, of donations or charges is less than the value of the donation. Onerous Burdens, charges or same as that of contracts services are equal in value to that of the donation.

Q: What are donations by reason of marriage or donations propter nuptias (DPN)? A: Those donations which are made before the celebration of the marriage, in consideration of the same, and in favor of one or both parties. Q: What are the grounds for filing an action for revocation of a DPN? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

DONATION MORTIS CAUSA Q: What is donation mortis causa?

Q: Discuss the kinds of donation according to motive or cause? A: 1. 2.

3.

Marriage is not celebrated Marriage is judicially declared void Marriage took place without consent of parents, when required by law Marriage is annulled and donee acted in bad faith Upon legal separation, donee being the guilty spouse Donation subject to resolutory condition and it took place Donee committed an act of ingratitude

A: These are donations which are to take effect upon the death of the donor. Note: It partakes of the nature of testamentary provisions and governed by the rules on succession (Art. 728, NCC).

Pure donation – is one which is not subject to any condition Conditional – is one wherein the donor imposes on the donee a condition dependent on the happening of a future event or past event unknown to the parties. With a Term – is one wherein the donor imposes on the donee a condition dependent upon the happening of a future and certain event.

Q: Distinguish donation inter vivos from donation mortis causa. A: INTER VIVOS MORTIS CAUSA As to when it takes effect Takes effect during the lifetime of the donor, Takes effect upon donor’s independently of the his death death As to cause or consideration In contemplation of donor’s Cause is donor’s pure death without intention to generosity dispose of the thing in case


146

PROPERTY Q: What is the effect if a suspensive condition may take place beyond the natural expectation of life of the donor?

of survival On predecease Valid if donor survives the Void if donor survives done On revocability Generally irrevocable Always revocable at any except for grounds provided time and for any reason for by law before the donor’s death On formalities Must comply with the Must comply with the formalities of donations formalities of a will On when acceptance is made Acceptance during donor’s After donor’s death lifetime On when property is conveyed to the donee Property completely Property retained by the conveyed to the done donor while he is still alive On tax payable Donor’s tax Estate tax

A: The condition does not destroy the nature of the act as a donation intervolves, unless a contrary intention appears. (Art. 730) Q: What is a modal donation? A: A donation subject to burdens or charges. (Pineda Property, p. 536-537, 1999) FORMALITIES REQUIRED HOW MADE AND ACCEPTED Q: Who must make the acceptance? A: Acceptance may be made by the donee himself or thru an agent with special power of attorney; otherwise, donation shall be void. (Art. 745, NCC)

ONEROUS DONATION

Q: Why is there a need for an acceptance?

Q: What is an onerous donation?

A: Because the donee may not want to accept the donor’s liberality or if donation is onerous, he may not agree with the burden imposed.

A: A donation given for which the donor received a valuable consideration which is the equivalent of the property so donated.

Note: Donation is perfected once the acceptance of the donation was made known to the donor. Accordingly, ownership will only revert to the donor if the resolutory condition is not fulfilled.

Q: What are the kinds of onerous donations? A: 1. 2.

Totally onerous – when the burden is equal to or greater than the value of the property donated Partially onerous – when the burden is lesser than the value of the donation. (Pineda Property, p. 547, 1999 ed)

Q: What is the effect of donations made to incapacitated persons? A: Donations made to incapacitated persons shall be void, though simulated under the guise of another contract or through a person who is interposed. (Art. 743, NCC)

Q: What laws will apply to onerous donations? Q: Who may accept donations made in favor of minors? A: 1. 2.

Totally onerous – rules on contracts Partially onerous a. Portion exceeding the value of the burden – simple donations b. Portion equivalent to the burden – law on contracts (Pineda Property, p. 547, 1999)

A: If the donation is pure and simple and does not require written acceptance, the minors can accept the donation by themselves. If the donation needs written acceptance, it may be accepted by their guardian or legal representatives . Q: Who may accept donations made to conceived and unborn children?

SIMPLE, MODAL, CONDITIONAL

A: Donations made to conceived and unborn children may be accepted by those who would legally represent them if they were already born. (Art. 742, NCC)

Q: What is a simple donation? A: One which is not subject to any condition

PERFECTION

Q: What is a conditional donation?

Q: When is a donation perfected?

A: One wherein the donor imposes on the donee a condition dependent on the happening of a future event or past event unknown to the parties.

A: Donation is perfected from the moment the donor knows of the acceptance by the donee (Art. 734, NCC).

147


CIVIL LAW DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FORMALITIES FOR DONATION OF REAL, PERSONAL PROPERTIES

essential for a person to be able to make a donation, he must have full civil capacity.

Q: What is the formalities required for donation of real and personal properties?

EFFECTS OF DONATION/LIMITATIONS

A: 1.

2.

IN GENERAL

Of movable property: a. With simultaneous delivery of property donated: i. for P 5,000 or less - may be oral/written ii. for more than P 5,000 – written in public or private document b. Without simultaneous delivery: i. The donation and acceptance must be written in a public or private instrument (Statute of Frauds), regardless of value. Otherwise, donation is unenforceable Of immovable property: a. Must be in a public instrument specifying i. the property donated and ii. the burdens assumed by the donee b. Acceptance may be made: i. In the same instrument or ii. In another public instrument, notified to the donor in authentic form, and noted in both deeds. Otherwise, donation is void.

Q: What rights and actions does the donee acquire? A: The donee is subrogated to the rights and actions which in case of eviction would pertain to the donor. Q: When are donors liable for eviction of hidden defects? A: 1.

2.

If the donation is simple or remunerative, donor is not liable for eviction or hidden defects because the donation is gratuitous, unless the donor acted in bad faith. If the donation is onerous, the donor is liable on his warranty against eviction and hidden defects but only to the extent of the burden.

Q: What are the rules regarding the liability of the donee to pay the debts of donor? A: 1.

QUALIFICATIONS OF DONOR, DONEE Q: Who qualifies as a donor? A: Any person who has capacity to contract and capacity to dispose of his property. (Art. 735, NCC)

Where donor imposes obligation upon the done; (Art. 758, NCC) the done is liable: a. to pay only debts previously contracted; b. for debts subsequently contracted only when there is an agreement to that effect; Note: But he is not liable for debts in excess of the value of donation received, unless the contrary is intended.

Q: Why is there a need for capacity to contract? 2. A: Because a donation inter vivos is contractual in nature and is a mode of alienation of property. Q: When is the possession of capacity to contract by the donor determined?

Where there is no stipulation regarding the payment of debts: (Art. 759, NCC) a. Donee is generally not liable to pay donor’s debts b. Donee is responsible only if donation has been made in fraud of creditors. Note: The presumption that the donations was made in fraud of creditors arises when the donor has not left sufficient assets to pay his debts, at the time of donation.

A: His capacity shall be determined as of the time of the making of donation. (Art. 737, NCC) Note: “Making of donation” shall be construed to mean perfection.

c.

Q: Who may qualify as donees?

The done shall not be liable beyond the value of donation received. DOUBLE DONATIONS

A: All those who are not specially disqualified by law. Q: May an unborn child be a donee or a donor?

Q: When is there double donation?

A: An unborn child may be a donee but not a donor.

A: When the same thing has been donated to two or more persons.

As a donee, donations made to conceived and unborn children may be accepted by those persons who would legally represent them if they were already born. (Art. 742, NCC)

Q: What is the rule in case of a double donation? A: The rule on double sale under Article 1544 shall be applicable: 1. Movable – Owner who is first to possess in good faith 2. Immovable –

Note: If the conceived child did not become a person, the donation is null and void. An unborn child cannot be a donor because it is


148

PROPERTY a. b. c.

First to register in good faith No inscription, first to possess in good faith No inscription & no possession in good faith – Person who presents oldest title in good faith

gospel who extended spiritual aid to him during the same period; 9. To a public Officer or his/her spouse, descendants or ascendants in consideration of his/her office; 10. To a Physician, surgeon, nurse, health officer or druggist who took care of the donor during his/her last illness;

EXCESSIVE/INOFFICIOUS

REVOCATION OR REDUCTION

Q: What is the rule in case of an excessive or in officious donation? A: 1.

2.

GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION AND REDUCTION Q: What are the grounds for revocation of donation?

A donor may not donate more than what he can give by will. If he donates more than what he cannot give by will, the donation will become excessive and to insist on it, the legitimism of the compulsory heirs will be impaired. Legitimism is reserved for the compulsory heirs and the same cannot be impaired or disposed of by the testator.

A: 1.

The donee cannot receive by way of donation more than what he may receive by will. If the donee can receive by donation (devise or legacy) more than what the testator is allowed by law to give, the donation is inofficious and it may be suppressed totally or reduced as to its excess. IN FRAUD OF CREDITORS

Q: What is the remedy in case of donations executed in fraud of creditors? A: The creditors may rescind the donation to the extent of their credits. The action is known as accion pauliana. Note: If the donor did not reserved enough assets to pay his creditors whom he owned before the donation, the donation is presumed to be in fraud of creditors.

VOID DONATIONS

Under Art. 760 a. Birth of a donor’s child or children (legitimate, legitimated, or illegitimate) after the donation, even though born after his death. b. Appearance of a donor’s child who is missing and thought to be dead by the donor c. Subsequent adoption by the donor of a minor child.

2.

Under Art. 764 –When the donee fails to comply with any of the conditions which the donor imposed upon the donee.

3.

Under Art. 765 – by reason of ingratitude a. If the donee should commit some offense against the person, the honor or the property of the donor, or of his wife or children under his parental authority b. If the donee imputes to the donor any criminal offense, or any act involving moral turpitude, even though he should prove it, unless the crime or act has been committed against the donee himself, his wife or children under his authority c. If he unduly refuses him support when the donee is legally or morally bound to give support to the donor

Q: What are the donations prohibited by law?

Q: What are the grounds for reduction of donation?

A: Donations made: LAW SCRA POP 1. By individuals, associations or corporations not permitted by Law to make donations; 2. By persons guilty of Adultery or concubinage at the time of donation; 3. By a Ward to the guardian before the approval of accounts; 4. By Spouses to each other during the marriage or to persons of whom the other spouse is a presumptive heir. 5. Between persons found guilty of the same Criminal offense in consideration thereof; th 6. To Relatives of such priest, etc. within the 4 degree, or to the church to which such priest belongs; 7. To an Attesting witness to the execution of donation, if there is any, or to the spouse, parents or children or anyone claiming under them; 8. To the Priest who heard the confession of the donor during the latter’s last illness, or the minister of the

A: The same grounds for revocation under Art. 760. The donation shall be reduced insofar as it exceeds the portion that may be freely disposed of by will, taking into account the whole estate of the donor at the time of the birth, appearance, or adoption of a child. (Art. 761, NCC) Q: Can a donation be revoked once it is perfected? A: Once a donation is perfected, it cannot be revoked without the consent of the donee except on grounds provided by law (Arts. 760, 764, 765, NCC) Q: Is revocation or reduction automatic? A: No. The emergence of the circumstances enumerated in Art. 760 do not automatically revoke or reduce the donation. The revocation or reduction is authorized only if the amount or value of the property donated exceeds the disposable free portion.

149


CIVIL LAW Q: For purposes of prescription of action, what is the rule in case of concurrence of two or more grounds for revocation or reduction?

2.

A: In the event that two or more causes are present, the earliest among them shall be the starting point in the reckoning of the period of prescription of the action.

If due to causes stated under Art. 760, ingratitude, or inofficious donations – fruits acquired from the time the complaint is filed shall be returned (Art. 768) PRESCRIPTION

Q: What is the period of prescription of action for revocation or reduction?

Q: Can a donor execute a donation subject to a condition?

A:

A: Yes. A donor may execute a donation subject to a condition, the non- fulfilment of which authorizes the donor to go to court to seek its revocation (not reduction). Note: The word “condition” should be understood in its broad sense and not in its strict legal sense. It means charges or burdens imposed by the donor.

Birth of child

PRESCIPTIVE PERIOD 4 years

Legitimation

4 years

Recognition of an illegitimate child

4 years

Adoption

4 years

Appearance of a child believed to be dead

4 years

Noncompliance with any condition imposed Act of ingratitude

4 years

Q: In a conditional donation, can revocation be done unilaterally by the donor? A: No. A donor cannot revoke a conditional donation unilaterally, that is, without going to court, even if the donee had breached any of the obligations imposed in the donation. A Judicial action is essential if the donee refuses to return the property, or pay its value to the donor, or to latter’s heirs or assigns. However, the action must be filed within the prescriptive period fixed buy law, otherwise, it will be barred (Ongsiaco v. Ongsiaco, 101 Phil 1196). Q: Can the creditors of the deceased file an action for reduction of inofficious donation? A: No. Only compulsory heirs or their heirs and successors in interest may sue for reduction of inofficious donations. The remedy of the creditor is to sue, during the lifetime of the donor, for the annulment of inofficious donation made in fraud of creditors (Art. 1387); or they can go against the estate of the deceased and not against the donees. EFFECTS Q: What are the obligations of the donee upon the revocation or reduction of donation? A: 1. 2.

3.

Return the thing or the object of the donation If the property had already been alienated and could not be recovered anymore, its value shall be paid to the donor. The value shall be the price of the property estimated at the time of the perfection of the donation If the property had been mortgaged, the donor may pay the mortgage obligations, subject to reimbursement by the donee. (Art. 762)

1 year

RECKONING PERIOD From the birth of the first child From Birth of the legitimated child, not from the date of marriage of the parents From the date the recognition of the child by any means enumerated in Article 712 of the Family Code From the date of filing of the original petition for adoption, provided a decree of adoption is issued thereafter From the date an information was received as to the existence or survival of the child believed to be dead From the noncompliance with the condition

From the time the donor had learned of the donee’s act of ingratitude, provided it was possible for him to file an action.

Q: Is the donee required to return the fruits?

Q: What if the donor dies within the four-year prescriptive period?

A: 1.

A: The right of action to revoke or reduce is transmitted to his heirs. (Pineda Property, 1999, p. 589)

If due to non-compliance with any condition imposed on the donation – fruits acquired after non-compliance shall be returned


150

PROPERTY INOFFICIOUS DONATIONS

the value of the property determined as of the time of the donation. (Art. 767, NCC)

Q: When is a donation inofficious? Q: Can the donor make a renunciation of actions to revoke in advance?

A: A donation is inofficious or excessive when its amount impairs the legitimes of the compulsory heirs.

A: No. Such waiver is void. Note: Donations must be charged only against the disposable free portion. If its amount exceeds the same, the excess is void for being inofficious (Pineda Property, p. 598, 1999)

Note: However, the donor may renounce an action to revoke if the act of ingratitude had already been done.

Q: What is the status of an inofficious donation? A: During the lifetime of the donor, the inofficious donation is effective since the excessiveness of the donation can only be determined after the donor’s death. Note: Consequently, the donee is entitled to the fruits of the property donated during the lifetime of the donor (Art. 771, NCC) Q: May an heir waive his right during the lifetime of the donor to file an action for suppression or reduction of an inofficious donation? A: No. Such waiver, in whatever form it is extended, is void. (Art. 772, NCC) INGRATITUDE Q: Are there any other grounds for revocation of donation by reason of ingratitude other than those enumerated under Art. 765? A: None. The grounds under Art. 765 are exclusive. Q: Suppose the husband of the donee had maligned the donor, is there a ground for revocation by reason of ingratitude? A: None. The act must be imputable to the donee himself and not to another. (Pineda, 1999, p. 593) Q: What if there are mortgages and alienations effected before the notation of the complaint for revocation in the Registry of Property? A: Such alienations and mortgages shall remain valid and must be respected. (Art. 766, NCC) Note: Alienations and mortgages after the registration of the pendency of the complaint shall be void.

Q: What is the remedy of the donor? A: If the property is already transferred in the name of the buyer or mortgagee, the remedy of the donor is to recover

151


CIVIL LAW SUMMARY OF THE RULES ON REDUCTION OF DONATIONS TIME OF FILING OF THE ACTION

TRANSMISSIBILITY OF ACTION

EXTENT OF REDUCTION

RIGHTS TO THE FRUITS

1. Failure of the donor to reserve sufficient means for support (Art. 750, NCC) Any time by the donor or by relatives entitled to support during the donor’s lifetime (Art. 750, NCC)

Not transmissible Note: the duty to give and right to receive support are personal (Art. 195, FC)

Donation reduced to extent necessary to provide support (Art. 750, NCC)

Donee is entitled to the fruits as owner of the property donated (Art. 441, NCC)

2. Inofficiousness for being in excess of what the donor can give by will (Art. 750, 771, NCC)

Within 5 years after the donor’s death (Art. 771, 1149, NCC)

Transmissible to donor’s heirs as donation shall be reduced as regards the excess at donor’s death (Art. 771, NCC)

Donation effective during the donor’s lifetime subject to reduction only upon his death with regard to the excess (Art. 771, NCC)

Donee appropriates fruits (Art. 441, NCC)

3. Birth, appearance or adoption of a child (Art. 760, NCC) [Same as in #1 Revocation] W/in 4 years from birth st of 1 child, legitimation (recognition), adoption, judicial declaration of filiation or receipt of info of existence of the child believed to be dead. (Art. 763, NCC)

[Same as in #1 Revocation]

[Same as in #1 Reduction]

To children & descendants of donor upon his death (Art. 763, 2, NCC)

Donation reduced to extent necessary to provide support (Art. 750, NCC)

Donee appropriates fruits not affected by reduction (Art. 441, NCC). When donation is revoked for any of the cause mentioned in article 760, the donee shall not return the fruits except from the filing of the complaint (Art. 768, NCC).

4. Fraud against creditors (Art. 759, NCC) Within 4 years from perfection of donation or from knowledge by the creditor of the donation (Art. 1389, NCC)

To creditor’s heirs or successors-in-interest (Art. 1178, NCC)

Property returned for the benefit of creditors subject to the rights of rd innocent 3 persons (Art. 1387, NCC)

f.

MODES OF EXTINGUISHING OWNERSHIP Q: What are the modes of extinguishing ownership? A: 1.

2.

g.

destruction of the prior title or right i.e. expropriation , rescission, annulment, fulfillment of a resolutory condition) Prescription (Paras, p. 779)

Q: What is a de facto case of eminent domain?

Absolute – all persons are affected a. physical loss or destruction b. legal loss or destruction (when it goes out of commerce of man) Relative – only for certain persons for others may acquire their ownership a. law b. succession c. tradition as a consequence of certain contracts d. donation e. abandonment UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Fruits shall be returned in case donee acted in bad faith; if impossible to return, indemnify the donor’s creditor for damages (Art. 1388, , NCC)

A: Expropriation resulting from the actions of nature as in a case where land becomes part of the sea. In this case, the owner loses his property in favor of the state without any compensation.

152

OBLIGATIONS PRESCRIPTION

Relationship by owner and possessor Relationship between the occupant and the land in terms of possession is capable of producing legal consequences; it is the possessor who is the actor

DEFINITION Q: What is meant by prescription? A: One acquires ownership and other real rights through the lapse of time in the manner and under the conditions laid down by law. In the same way, rights and actions are lost by prescription. (Art. 1106, NCC)

Q: Who may acquire by prescription? A: PSM 1. Persons who are capable of acquiring property by other legal modes 2. State 3. Minors – through guardians of personally

Q: What are the kinds of prescription? A: 1.

2.

Acquisitive prescription - one acquires ownership and other real rights through the lapse of time in the manner and under the conditions laid down by law. a. Ordinary – requires the possession of things in good faith and with a just title for the time fixed by law; b. Extraordinary – does not require good faith or just title but possession for a period longer than ordinary acquisitive prescription Extinctive prescription – loss of property rights or actions through the possession by another of a thing for the period provided by law or failure to bring the necessary action to enforce one’s right with in the period fixed by law.

Q: Who are the persons against whom prescription runs? A: MAPJ 1. Minors and other incapacitated persons who have parents, guardians or other legal representatives. 2. Absentees who have administrators. 3. Persons living abroad who have managers or administrators 4. Juridical persons, except the state and its subdivision Q: Against whom does prescription not run? A: SPG 1. Between Spouses, even though there be a separation of property agreed upon in the marriage settlements or by judicial decree. 2. Between Parents and children, during the minority or insanity of the latter. 3. Between Guardian and ward during the continuance of the guardianship

Q: Differentiate acquisitive from extinctive prescription. A: ACQUISITIVE

EXTINCTIVE How acquired Inaction of the owner of possession or neglect of his right to bring an action

Requires possession by a claimant who is not the owner

Q: What can be subject of prescription? A: PP 1. Private property 2. Patrimonial property of the state

Rights covered Applicable to all kinds of rights whether real or personal

Applicable to ownership and other real rights

Note: Patrimonial property of the state is the property it owns but which is not devoted to public use, public service, or the development of national wealth. It is wealth owned by the state in its private, as distinguished from its public, capacity. (Paras, p. 58)

Effect Vests ownership and other real rights in the occupant Results in the acquisition of ownership or other real rights in a person as well as the loss of said ownership or real rights in another

Produces the extinction of rights or bars a right of action

ACQUISITIVE

Results in the loss of a real or personal right or bars the cause of action to enforce the right

CHARACTERISTICS Q: What is the basis of acquisitive prescription? A: It is based on the assertion of a usurper of an adverse right for such a long period of time, uncontested by the true owner of the right, as to give rise to the presumption that the latter has given up such right in favor of the former. (Tolentino, Civil Code, Vol. IV, p. 2)

How proved Can be proven under the general issue without its being affirmatively pleaded

One does not look to the act of the possessor but to the neglect of the owner

Should be affirmatively pleaded and proved to bar the action or claim of the adverse party

153


CIVIL LAW Q: What are the basic requirements of prescription as a mode of acquiring ownership?

Note: An absolutely simulated or fictitious title is void and cannot be a basis for ordinary prescription. (Pineda Succession and Prescription, p. 646, 2009)

A: 1.

Q: What is a valid title?

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Actual possession of a property, which is susceptible of prescription Possession must be in the concept of an owner and not that of a mere holder (Art. 1118) Possession must be public or open (Art. 1118) Possession must be peaceful (Art. 1118) Possession must be continuous and not interrupted (Art. 1118) Possession must be adverse, that is, exclusive and not merely tolerated Possession must satisfy the full period required by law (Pineda Succession and Prescription, p. 606, 2009)

A: A title which is sufficient to transmit ownership of the property or right being conveyed had the transferor or grantor been the real owner thereof. EXTRAORDINARY Q: What is extraordinary prescription? A: Prescription where the possessor is in bad faith. It does not require good faith or just title but possession for a period longer than ordinary acquisitive prescription. (Pineda Succession and Prescription, p. 607, 2009)

ORDINARY Q: What is ordinary prescription?

Q: How does ownership of personal property prescribe?

A: It requires possession of things in good faith and with just title for the time fixed by law.

A: Through uninterrupted possession for 8 years, without need of any other condition. (Art. 1132)

GOOD FAITH

Q: How about ownership and other real rights over immovables?

Q: When is a possessor in good faith?

A: They prescribe through uninterrupted adverse possession for 30 years, without need of title or of good faith. (Art. 1137)

A: If he is not aware of the existence of any flaw or defect in his title or mode of acquisition which invalidates it (Art. 526 in relation to Art. 1128) and has reasonable belief that the person from whom he received the thing was the owner thereof, and could transmit his ownership. (Art. 1127)

Q: What are the requisites of extraordinary prescription? A: CLAS G 1. Capacity of the possessor to acquire by prescription; 2. Susceptibility of object to prescription; 3. Adverse possession of the character prescribed by law; 4. Lapse of time required by law; 5. Good faith of possessor or proof of just title.

Q: When must good faith exist? A: It must exist not only from the beginning but throughout the entire period of possession fixed by law. (Pineda Succession and Prescription, p. 643, 2009)

REQUISITES JUST TITLE Q: What are the basic requirements of prescription as a mode of acquiring ownership?

Q: What does just title mean?

A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

A: It means that the possessor obtained the possession of the property through one of the modes recognized by law for acquiring ownership but the transferor or grantor was not the owner of the property or he has no power to transmit the right. (Art. 1129)

Capacity to acquire by prescription; A thing capable of acquisition by prescription; Possession of the thing under certain conditions; and Lapse of time provided by law

Note: The first two requisites apply to both ordinary and extraordinary prescription, but the last two requisites vary for each kind.

Note: Just title is never presumed, it must be proved. (Art. 1130, NCC) Q: What is a true title? A: One which actually exists and is not just a pretended one.

PERIOD UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

154

PRESCRIPTION Q: What are the periods as regards prescription as a mode of acquisition of ownership? A: 1.

2.

good faith, secured a tax declaration in his name and may, therefore, be said to have adversely claimed ownership of the lot. On said date, respondents were also deemed to have become aware of the adverse claim. Flores’s possession thus ripened into ownership through acquisitive prescription after the lapse of 30 years (Heirs of Restar v. Heirs of Cichon, G.R. No. 161720, November 22, 2005).

Movables a. 4 years- good faith b. 8 years- bad faith Immovables a. 10 years- good faith b. 30 years- bad faith

Q: Sixto, owner of a parcel of land, died. He was survived by his wife and 3 children. The subject land was donated by his wife to Silverio, who immediately entered into possession of the land, built a fence around it, constructed a residential house, declared it for tax purposes and paid the taxes thereon, and resided there until his death. After 45 years from the time of donation, Soledad, one of Sixto’s children, filed a complaint for recovery of ownership, and possession against Silverio. Who is the rightful owner of the land?

Q: What are the rules for the computation of time necessary for prescription? A: 1.

2.

3.

The present possessor may complete the period necessary for prescription by tacking his possession to that of his grantor or predecessor in interest. It is presumed that the present possessor who was also the possessor at a previous time, has continued to be in possession during the intervening time, unless there is proof to the contrary. The first day shall be excluded and the last day included. (Art 1138, NCC)

A: By extraordinary acquisitive prescription, Silverio became the rightful owner of the land. In extraordinary prescription ownership and other real rights over immovable property are acquired through uninterrupted adverse possession thereof for 30 years without need of title or of good faith.

WHAT CANNOT BE REQUIRED BY ACQUISITIVE PRESCRIPTION

When Soledad filed the case, Silverio was in possession of the land for 45 years counted from the time of the donation. This is more than the required 30 years of uninterrupted adverse possession without just title and good faith. Such possession was public, adverse and in the concept of an owner. He declared the land for taxation purposes and religiously paid the realty taxes thereon. Together with his actual possession of the land, these tax declarations constitute strong evidence of ownership of the land occupied by him (Calicdan v. Cendeña, G.R. No. 155080, February 5, 2004).

Q: What cannot be subject of prescription? A: PRIM 1. Public domain; 2. Registered land; 3. Intransmissible rights; 4. Movables possessed through a crime; Q: Emilio died, leaving 8 children. In 1960, His eldest child, Flores, took possession of and cultivated the land, caused the cancellation of the tax declaration in Emilio’s name covering a parcel of land and caused the issuance of another in his own name. The co-heirs of Flores discovered the cancellation. Upon Flores’ death, the heirs of his sisters together with his surviving sisters filed a complaint in 1999 against the heirs of Flores for partition of the lot and declaration of nullity of the documents. Did the heirs of Flores acquire ownership over the lot by extraordinary acquisitive prescription?

Q: Anthony bought a piece of untitled agricultural land from Bert. Bert, in turn, acquired the property by forging Carlo’s signature in a deed of sale over the property. Carlo had been in possession of the property for 8 years, declared it for tax purposes, and religiously paid all taxes due on the property. Anthony is not aware of the defect in Bert’s title, but has been in actual physical possession of the property from the time he bought it from Bert, who had never been in possession. Anthony has since then been in possession of the property for 1 year. Can Anthony acquire ownership of the property by acquisitive prescription? How many more years does he have to possess it to acquire ownership?

A: Yes. While the action to demand partition of a co-owned property does not prescribe, a co-owner may acquire ownership thereof by prescription, where there exists a clear repudiation of the co-ownership, and the co-owners are apprised of the claim of adverse and exclusive ownership. In this case, the respondents never possessed the lot, much less asserted their claim thereto until 1999 when they filed the complaint for partition. In contrast, Flores took possession of the lot after Emilio’s death and exercised acts of dominion thereon- tilling and cultivating the land, introducing improvements, and enjoying the produce thereof. The statutory period of prescription commenced in 1960 when Flores, who had neither title nor

A: Yes, Anthony can acquire ownership of the property by ordinary acquisitive prescription which requires just title and good faith (Art. 1117, NCC). There was just title because a deed of sale was issued in his favor even though it was forged, which fact he was not aware of. He needs to possess the land in good faith and in the concept of owner for a total of 10 years in order to acquire ownership. Since Anthony possessed the land for only one year, he has not completed the 10-year period. Even if Anthony tacks the 8year period of possession by Carlo who in the deed of sale

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CIVIL LAW is supposed to be his grantor or predecessor in interest, the period is still short of ten years.

Prescription, p. 651, 2009)

1.

Q: If Carlo is able to legally recover his property, can he require Anthony to account for all the fruits he has harvested from the property while in possession?

2. Registered Lands (P.D. 1529)

A: Since Anthony is a possessor in good faith, Anthony cannot be made to account for the fruits he gathered before he was served with summons. A possessor in good faith is entitled to the fruits received before the possession was legally interrupted by the service of summons (Art. 544, NCC). After Anthony was served with summons, he became a possessor in bad faith and a builder, planter, sower in bad faith. He can also be made to account for the fruits but he may deduct expenses for the production gathering and preservation of the fruits (Art. 443, NCC).

Note: Similarly, an action to recover possession of a registered land never prescribes.

Q: If there are standing crops on the property when Carlo recovers possession, can Carlo appropriate them? (2008 Bar Question)

1. Action legal to demand a right of way 2. To abate a nuisance

Imprescriptible

Action to quiet title if plaintiff is in possession

Imprescriptible Applies to both action and defense.

Void contracts A: The value of the standing crops must be prorated depending upon the period of possession and the period of growing and producing the fruits. Anthony is entitled to a part of the net harvest and a part of the expenses of cultivation in proportion to his period of possession. However, Carlo may allow Anthony to gather these growing fruits as an indemnity for the expenses of cultivation. If Anthony refuses to accept this concession, he shall lose the right to indemnity under Art. 443. (Art. 545, par. 3, NCC).

Action to demand partition Note: Distinguished from laches

Note: However, an action to annul a voidable contract prescribes after 4 years

As long as the co-ownership is recognized expressly or impliedly (Art. 494) Right of reversion or reconveyance to the State of the public properties registered and which are not capable of private appropriation or private acquisition does not prescribe

EXTINCTIVE Q: What is extinctive prescription?

Property of public dominion Note: In contrast, where private property is

A: It refers to the time within which an action may be brought, or some act done, to preserve a right (Pineda Succession and Prescription, p. 660, 2009 ed).

taken by the Government for public use without first acquiring title thereto either through expropriation or negotiated sale , the owner’s action to recover the land or the value thereof does not prescribe.

Q: What is the basis of extinctive prescription?

PRESCRIPTION OR LIMITATION OF ACTIONS

A: It based on the probability, born of experience, that the alleged right which accrued in the past never existed or has already been extinguished; or if it exists, the inconvenience caused by the lapse of time should be borne by the party negligent in the assertion of his right (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, p. 2).

Q: What are the respective prescriptive periods of actions specified under the Civil Code? A: ACTIONS

NO PRESCRIPTION APPLICABLE When it is possessed through a crime such as robbery, theft, or estafa.

By Offender

Recover Movables

Note: The person who cannot invoke the right of prescription is the offender or person who committed the crime or offense, not a subsequent transferee who did not participate in the crime or offense, unless the latter knew the criminal nature of the acquisition of the property by the transferor. (Art. 1133, Pineda Succession and


An action to recover a registered land by the owner Right to petition for the issuance for the issuance of a Writ of Possession filed by the applicant for registered land

Recover Immovables

156

PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD 8 years (good faith)or 4 years (bad faith) from the time the possession is lost (Art. 1140, Pineda Succession and Prescription, p. 666, 2009) 30 years (Recover ownership) (Art. 1141) 10 years (Recover real right of possession) (Art. 555 (4),Pineda Succession and Prescription, p. 667, 2009)

PRESCRIPTION

Mortgage Action

10 years from default of mortgagor (Art. 1142)

Based on written contract Note: If contract is oral or quasi, prescriptive period is 6 years (Art. 1145) Based on obligation created by law Based on judgment Based upon an injury to the rights of plaintiff Based on quasi-delicts Forcible entry and detainer Defamation All other actions not specified

10 years

10 years from the time the right of action accrues 10 years from the day judgment became final and executory (Art. 1144) 4 years 4 years (Art. 1146) 1 year 1 year (Art. 1147) 5 years (Art. 1149)

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CIVIL LAW Note: In order to be valid, the object must be: 1. licit or lawful; 2. possible, physically & judicially; 3. determinate or determinable; and 4. pecuniary value or possible equivalent in money.

OBLIGATIONS DEFINITION Q: What is an obligation?

Note: Absence of either of the first three (licit, possible and/or determinate) makes the object void.

A: It is a juridical necessity to give, to do, or not to do. (Art. 1156)

Form is not generally considered essential, though sometimes it is added as the 5threquisite.There is no particular form to make obligations binding, except in certain rare cases. (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 2002 ed. p. 57)

It is a juridical relation whereby a person (creditor) may demand from another (debtor) the observance of a determinative conduct (giving, doing, or not doing), and in case of breach, may demand satisfaction from the assets of the latter (Arias Ramos).

DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRESTATION Q: What are the different kinds of prestation?

Note: Art. 1156 refers only to civil obligations which are enforceable in court when breached. It does not cover natural obligations (Arts. 1423-1430) because these are obligations that cannot be enforced in court being based merely on equity and natural law and not on positive law (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p3).

A: OBLIGATION TO GIVE Consists in the delivery of a movable or immovable thing to the creditor

ELEMENTS OF AN OBLIGATION Q: What are the elements of an obligation? A: JAPO 1. Juridical tie or vinculum juris or efficient cause – is the efficient cause by virtue of which the debtor has become bound to perform the prestation (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000, p.2).

i.e. – Sale, deposit, pledge, donation, antichresis

Note: The vinculum juris is established by: 1. law (i.e. – relation of husband and wife for support) 2. bilateral acts (i.e. – contracts) 3. unilateral acts (i.e. – crimes and quasi-delicts) (Tolentino, Civil Code Vol. IV, 1999 ed. p.59)

2.

3.

OBLIGATION NOT TO DO

Covers all kinds of works or services whether physical or mental

Consists in refraining from doing some acts

i.e. – Contract for professional services like painting, modeling, singing, etc.

i.e. – Easement prohibiting building proprietor or possessor from committing nuisance(Art. 682), restraining order or injunction (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, p. 3, 2000)

Active subject [creditor (CR) or obligee] – is the one who is demanding the performance of the obligation. It is he in whose favor the obligation is constituted, established or created (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000, p.2).

Note: It is the conduct that must be observed by the debtor/obligor. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, p. 2, 2000)

Passive subject [debtor (DR) or obligor] – is the one bound to perform the prestation to give, to do, or not to do (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 2).

Possible, physically and juridically; Determinate, or at least determinable according to pre-established elements or criteria; and Has a possible equivalent in money (Tolentino, Civil Code Vol. IV, p. 58, 1999 ed).

Q: What are the requisites of a valid prestation? A: 1. 2. 3.

Note: When there is a right there is a corresponding obligation. Right is the active aspect while obligation is the passive aspect. Thus, it is said that the concepts of credit and debt are two distinct aspects of unitary concept of obligation. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, p. 2, 2000)

4.

OBLIGATION TO DO

CLASSIFICATION OF OBLIGATIONS Q: What are the kinds of obligation? A: From the viewpoint of: 1. Sanction a. Civil – gives a right of action to compel their performance b. Natural – not based on positive law but on equity and natural law; does not grant a right of action to enforce their performance, but after voluntary fulfillment by the obligor, they authorize retention of what has been delivered/ rendered by reason thereof.

Object or prestation – it is the subject matter of the obligation which has an economic value or susceptible of pecuniary substitution in case of noncompliance. It is a conduct that may consist of giving, doing, or not doing something. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, p. 2, 2000)


158

OBLIGATIONS c.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Moral – cannot be enforced by action but are binding on the party who makes it in conscience and natural law. Performance a. Positive – to give; to do b. Negative – not to do Subject matter a. Personal – to do; not to do b. Real – to give Object a. Determinate/specific– particularly designated or physically segregated from all others of the same class. b. Generic– is designated merely by its class or genus. c. Limited generic– generic objects confined to a particular class (e.g. an obligation to deliver one of my horses) (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 2002 ed, p. 91) Person obliged a. Unilateral – only one party is bound b. Bilateral – both parties are bound

b.

Facultative – only one prestation has been agreed upon, but the obligor may render one in substitution of the first one (Art. 1206) 11. Imposition of penalty a. Simple – there is no penalty imposed for violation of the terms thereof (Art. 1226) b. Obligation with penalty – obligation which imposes a penalty for violation of the terms thereof (Art. 1226; Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 5-7) SOURCES OF OBLIGATIONS Q: What are the sources of obligations?

Note: A bilateral obligation may be reciprocal or non-reciprocal. Reciprocal obligations are those which arise from the same cause, wherein each party is a debtor and a creditor of the other, such that the performance of one is conditioned upon the simultaneous fulfilment of the other.

A: LCQ-DQ Sources

Obligations

Law

ex lege

Perfection From the time designated by the law creating or regulating them. GR: From the time of the perfection of the contract (i.e. meeting of the minds)

1.

Contracts

ex contractu 2.

6.

Creation a. Legal – imposed by law (Art. 1158) b. Conventional – established by the agreement of the parties like contracts 7. Susceptibility of partial fulfillment a. Divisible – obligation is susceptible of partial performance (Art. 1223; 1224) b. Indivisible – obligation is not susceptible of partial performance (Art. 1225) 8. Existence of burden or condition a. Pure – is not burdened with any condition or term. It is immediately demandable (Art. 1179) b. Conditional – is subject to a condition which may be suspensive (happening of which shall give rise to the obligation) or resolutory (happening of which terminates the obligation). (Art. 1181) 9. Character of responsibility or liability a. Joint – each debtor is liable only for a part of the whole liability and to each creditor shall belong only a part of the correlative rights (8 Manresa 194; Art. 1207) b. Solidary – a debtor is answerable for the whole of the obligation without prejudice to his right to collect from his co-debtors the latter’s shares in the obligation (Art. 1207) 10. Right to choose and substitution a. Alternative – obligor may choose to completely perform one out of the several prestations (Art. 1199)

Quasicontracts Delicts Quasidelict

ex quasicontractu ex maleficio or ex delicto ex quasi maleficio or ex quasi- delicto

XPNs: When the parties made stipulation on the right of the creditor to the fruits of the thing When the obligation is subject to a suspensive condition or period, it arises upon fulfillment of the condition or expiration of the period.

From the time designated by the law creating or regulating them.

Note: No obligation exists if its source is not one of those enumerated in Article 1157 (Navales v. Rias, 8 Phil. 508)

OBLIGATION EX LEGE Q: Are obligations derived from law presumed? A: No. Obligations derived from law are not presumed. Only those expressly determined in the Code or in special laws are demandable and shall be regulated by the precepts of the law which establishes them and as to what has not been foreseen by the provisions of Book IV of NCC. (Art. 1158) Note: If there is conflict between the NCC and a special law, the latter prevails unless the contrary has been expressly stipulated in

159


CIVIL LAW the NCC. (Art. 18, Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, Vol. IV, 2008 ed., p. 86)

OBLIGATION EX QUASI - CONTRACTU Q: What is quasi-contract?

Q: What are the characteristics of a legal obligation or an obligation ex lege? A: 1. 2. 3.

A: It is a juridical relation arising from lawful, voluntary and unilateral acts based on the principle that no one shall be unjustly enriched or benefited at the expense of another (Art. 2142).

Does not need the consent of the obligor; Must be expressly set forth in the law creating it and not merely presumed; and In order that the law may be a source of obligation, it should be the creator of the obligation itself. (Art. 1158)

Q: What are the characteristics of a quasi-contract? A: 1. 2. 3.

OBLIGATION EX CONTRACTU

It must be lawful It must be voluntary It must be unilateral (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, p.14, 2000)

Q: Do obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the parties?

Q: What is presumptive consent?

A: Yes. Obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the parties and should be complied with in good faith (Art. 1159).

A: Since a quasi-contract is a unilateral contract created by the sole act or acts of the gestor, there is no express consent given by the other party. The consent needed in a contract is provided by law through presumption (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, p. 15, 2000).

Q: What are the requisites for a contract to give rise to obligations ex contractu?

Q: What are the principal forms of quasi-contracts?

A: 1. 2.

A: 1.

It must contain all the essential requisites of a contract (Art. 1318) It must not be contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order, and public policy. (Art. 1306)

2.

Q: What is compliance in good faith? A: It is performance in accordance with the stipulation, clauses, terms and conditions of the contract (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 12).

Note: The delivery must not be through liberality or some other cause.

Note: The contract is the “law” between the parties (Art. 1159).

Q: What is the rule in case of excess of payment of interest?

Q: May a party unilaterally evade his obligation in the contract?

A: If the borrower pays interest when there has been no stipulation therefor, the provisions of the Code concerning solutio indebiti, or natural obligations, shall be applied, as the case may be.

A: GR: Neither party may unilaterally evade his obligation in the contract. XPNs: Unilateral evasion is allowed when the: 1. contract authorizes such evasion 2. other party assents thereto

Note: If the payment of interest is made out of mistake, solutio indebiti applies; hence, the amount must be returned to the debtor. If the payment was made after the obligation to pay interest has already prescribed, natural obligation applies; hence, the creditor is authorized to retain the amount paid.

Q: What governs obligations arising from contracts?

*For further discussion on quasi contracts, please see page 399 on Credit Transactions

A: GR: These obligations shall be governed primarily by the stipulations, clauses, terms and conditions of the parties’ agreements.

OBLIGATIONS EX DELICTO

XPN: Contracts with prestations that are unconscionable or unreasonable (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 12-13).


Negotiorum gestio (inofficious manager) – arises when a person voluntarily takes charge of the management of the business or property of another without any power from the latter (Art. 2144). Solutio indebiti (unjust enrichment)–takes place when a person received something from another without any right to demand for it, and the thing was unduly delivered to him through mistake (Art. 2154).

Q: What is delict? A: It is an act or omission punished by law.

160

OBLIGATIONS Q: What is the basis for civil liability arising from delicts as according to the penal code?

Q: What are the elements of a quasi-delict? A: NDCN 1. Negligent or wrongful act or omission; 2. Damage or injury caused to another; 3. Causal relation between such negligence or fault and damage; 4. No pre-exisitng contractual relationship between the parties (Article 2176).

A: Art. 100 of the Revised Penal Code provides that: “Every person criminally liable for a felony is also civilly liable.” A crime has dual character: (1) as an offense against the state because of the disturbance of the social order; and (2) an offense against the private person injured unless it involves the crime of treason, rebellion, espionage, contempt and others wherein no civil liability arises on the part of the offender either because there are no damages to be compensated or there is no private person injured by the crime (Reyes, The Revised Penal Code, Criminal Law, Book One, 2008, ed., p. 875).

Q: When is a person liable for a quasi-delict? A: He is liable for such when, by his act or omission, he causes damage to another, there being fault or negligence, and there is no pre-existing contractual relationship between them. (Art. 2176, NCC)

Q: What is the scope of civil liability? A: RRI 1. 2. 3.

Note: A single act or omission may give rise to two or more causes of action. Thus, an act or omission may give rise to an action based on delict, quasi-delict or contract.

Restitution Reparation for damage caused Indemnity for consequential damages (Art. 104, RPC)

In negligence cases, prior conduct should be examined, that is, conduct prior to the injury that resulted, or in proper case, the aggravation thereof.

Q: Is civil action implicitly instituted in criminal case?

Q: When is Art.2176 on quasi-delict inapplicable?

A: GR: Yes. When a criminal action is instituted, the civil action for the recovery of the civil liability arising from the offense charged shall be deemed instituted with the criminal action (Rule 111, Sec. 1, Rules of Court).

A: 1. When there was a pre-existing contractual relation because the breach of contract is the source of the obligation (Robles v. Yap Wing, 41 SCRA 267).

XPNs: No. When the offended party: 1. Waives the civil action 2. Reserves the right to institute it separately 3. Institutes the civil action prior to the criminal action (Rule 111, Sec. 1, Rules of Court)

Note: However, if the act that breaches the contract is tortuous, the pre-existing contractual relation will not bar the recovery of damages (Singson v. BPI, G.R. No. L-24837, June 27, 1968)

2. When the fault or negligence is punished by law as a crime, Art. 100 of RPC shall be applicable.

Q: What is the effect of acquittal in criminal case? 3. If the action for quasi-delict is instituted after 4 years, it is deemed prescribed. (Afialda v.Hisole, 85 Phil 67)

A: GR: The acquittal of the accused in criminal case on the ground of reasonable doubt does not preclude the filing of a subsequent civil action and only preponderance of evidence is required to prove the case.

4. When the injury suffered by a person is the result of a fortuitous event without human intervention. 5. If there is no damage or injury caused to another. (Walter A. Smith & Co. v. Cadwallader Gibson Lumber Company, 55 Phil 517)

XPN: When the acquittal is based on the reason that: 1. The accused did not commit the crime charged; or 2. There is a declaration in the decision of acquittal that no negligence can be attributed to the accused and that the fact from which the civil action might arise did not exist (Art. 29)

* For further discussion on quasi delict, see page 471 on torts and damages

OBLIGATIONS EX QUASI – DELICTO Q: What is quasi-delict or tort? A: It is an act or omission arising from fault or negligence which causes damage to another, there being no preexisting contractual relations between the parties (Art. 2176)

161


CIVIL LAW DISTINGUISHED FROM CULPA CONTRACTUAL AND CULPA CRIMINAL

Q: What are the conditions for natural obligations to arise?

Q: Distinguish quasi-delict from culpa contractual and culpa criminal

A: 1.

A:

2.

CULPA CONTRACTUAL

CULPA AQUILIANA Civil Negligence,QuasiDelict, Tort,or Culpa ExtraContractual Proof Needed

Contractual Negligence

Preponderance of evidence


CULPA CRIMINAL Criminal Negligence

The obligation is not prohibited by law or contrary to morals and good customs. There must be a previous juridical relationship between two persons but due to certain intervening circumstances, it lost its legal enforceability leaving its fulfillment entirely to the free will or discretion of the supposed debtor. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 633)

Q: Distinguish natural obligation from civil obligation. A:

Proof of guilt beyond reasonable doubt

NATURAL OBLIGATION Based on equity and natural law

Onus Probandi Victim must prove: 1. The damage Contracting party Prosecution suffered; must prove: must prove 2. The negligence of 1. The the guilt of the defendant; existence of the accused 3. The causal the contract; beyond connection 2. The breach reasonable between the thereof. doubt. damage and the negligence. Defense Available Exercise of Exercise of diligence Defenses extraordinary of a good father of a provided for diligence (in family in the under the contracts of selection and Revised Penal carriage), Force supervision of Code. majeure employees Existence of Contract between the Parties No preThere is preNo pre-existing existing existing contract contract contract

Cannot be enforced in court because the obligee has no right of action to compel its performance

Can be enforced in court because the obligee has a right of action

Q: Distinguish natural obligation from moral obligation A: NATURAL OBLIGATION Juridical tie previously existed between the parties but because of certain intervening causes they cannot be enforced in courts Voluntary fulfillment by the debtor is a legal fulfillment with legal effect Within the domain of the law When fulfilled produce legal effects

Note: The result in the criminal case, whether acquittal, or conviction is irrelevant in the independent civil action under the Civil Code (Dionisio v.Alyendia, 102 Phil 443, cited in Mckee v. IAC, 211 SCRA 536) unless acquittal is based on the court’s declaration that the fact from which the civil action arose did not exist, hence the dismissal of criminal action carries with the extinction of the civil liability (Andamo v. IAC, 191 SCRA 204, ’90 J. Fernan).

MORAL OBLIGATION

No juridical tie

Performance is a pure act of liberality which springs from blood, affection Within the domain of morals Performance of moral obligations does not produce legal effects

Q: What are the instances of natural obligations? A: 1.

NATURAL OBLIGATIONS

2.

Q: What are natural obligations?

3.

A: Natural obligation, not being based on positive law but on equity and natural law, do not grant a right of action to enforce their performance, but after voluntary fulfillment by the obligor, they authorize the retention of what has been delivered or rendered by reason thereof (Art. 1423 ).

4. 5. 6.

Note: They are real obligations to which the law denies an action, but which the debtor may perform voluntarily.


CIVIL OBLIGATION Based from law, contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts, and quasi-delicts

162

Performance after the civil obligation has prescribed (Art. 1424); Reimbursement of a third person for a debt that has prescribed (Art. 1425); Restitution by minor of the thing or price after annulment of contract (Art. 1426); Delivery by minor of money or fungible thing in fulfillment of obligation (Art. 1427); Performance after action to enforce civil obligation has failed (Art. 1428,); Payment by heir of debt exceeding value of property inherited (Art. 1429); and

OBLIGATIONS 7.

Payment of legacy after will has been declared void. (Art. 1430)

Estoppel is effective only between the parties thereto or their successors in interest (Art. 1439).

Note: The enumeration is not exclusive. The following also constitute natural obligations: 1. Support given to unrecognized illegitimate children by their putative parents, including support given to illegitimate children by the putative parents despite judgment denying their recognition; 2. Interest voluntarily paid for the use of money even if no interest is agreed upon in writing may be considered as a natural obligation (Art. 1956; 1960); 3. Support given to relatives for whom the law made no provisions for their support; and 4. Indemnification given to a woman seduced, although the seducer was acquitted of the charge of seduction.

Q: What is the basis and purpose of estoppel? A: Estoppel is based on public policy, fair dealing, good faith and justice and its purpose is to forbid one to speak against his own act, representation or commitments to the injury of one who reasonably relied thereon (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 644) Q: What are the kinds of estoppel? A: 1.

Q: May natural obligations be converted into civil obligations? A: Yes, by way of novation. The natural obligation becomes a valid cause for a civil obligation after it has been affirmed or ratified anew by the debtor (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 634). A natural obligation may be subject to a contract of guaranty so that a creditor may proceed against the guarantor although he has no right of action against the principal debtor. But when the debtor himself offers a guaranty for his natural obligation, he impliedly recognizes his liability, thereby transforming the obligation from natural into a civil one (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Credit Transactions, 2010 ed, p. 240.). Note: Compliance with a natural obligation is discretionary. If a person chose to fulfil, he cannot recover what he had delivered in compliance therewith. Fulfillment places the debtor into estoppels from recovering what had been paid or delivered (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2009 ed., pg. 696)

Q: What is the effect of partial performance? 2. A: If only a part of the natural obligation has been fulfilled, this partial payment cannot be recovered. It is converted into civil obligation if it is legally susceptible of confirmation or ratification. However, if the fulfilled portion is not susceptible of confirmation or ratification, this portion can be the basis of a cause of action for recovery of what has been delivered because it has not been converted into legal obligation. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 634-635)

Estoppel by deed (technical estoppel) a. Estoppel by deed proper – a party signs a document which bars him from denying the truth of any material facts asserted in it. It applies only between the same parties, their privies and cannot be used against strangers (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 655) b. Estoppel by record – truth set forth in a record, whether judicial or legislative, cannot be denied (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 655) c. Estoppel by court record - the parties are precluded from: i. raising questions involving matters which were directly adjudged because of the principle of res judicata - Estoppel by judgment or direct estoppel by judgment ii. from raising questions involving matters that have not been adjudged but could have been placed in issue and decide in the previous case because of their relation to the issues therein - Collateral estoppel by judgment (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 654) Estoppel in pais (equitable estoppel) a. by conduct or by acceptance of benefits b. by representation or concealment c. by silence d. by omission e. by laches LACHES

Q: What is laches? A: It is the failure or neglect, for an unreasonable length of time, to do that which by exercising due diligence could or should have been done earlier; its negligence or omission to assert a right within a reasonable time, warranting a presumption that the party entitled to assert it either has abandoned it or declined to assert it. It is also known as stale demands (Lim Tay vs. Court of Appeals, 293 SCRA 634; Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 609).

ESTOPPEL Q: What is estoppel? A: It is an admission or representation rendered conclusive upon the person making it, and cannot be denied or disproved as against the person relying thereon (Art. 1431) Note: The admission or representation must be plain and clear. Estoppel cannot be sustained on doubtful or ambiguous inferences.

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CIVIL LAW Q: What is the basis of the doctrine of laches or stale demands?

Q: What are the obligations of the debtor in an obligation to deliver a thing?

A: It is based upon grounds of public policy which requires for the peace of society, discouragement of state claims.

A: It depends upon the kind of obligation SPECIFIC

GENERIC

Deliver the thing agreed upon (Art. 1165)

Deliver the thing which is neither of superior nor inferior quality if quality and circumstances have not been stated by the partiies (Art. 1246)

Take care of the thing with the proper diligence of a good father of a family unless the law requires or parties stipulate another standard of care (Art.1163)

If the object is generic, but the source is specified or delimited, the obligation is to preserve the source

Q: What are the elements of laches? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Conduct on the part of the defendant or one under whom he claims, giving rise to the situation complained of; Delay asserting complainant’s right after he had knowledge of the defendant’s conduct and after he has opportunity to exercise it; Lack of knowledge or notice on the part of the defendant that the complainant would assert the right on which he bases his suit; Injury or prejudice to the defendant in the event relief is accorded to the complainant (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 610).

Delivery of another thing Deliver all accessions, within the same genus as the accessories and fruits of the thing promised if such thing thing even though they may is damaged due to lack of not have been mentioned care or a general breach is (Art. 1166) committed

Q: Distinguish laches from prescription A: LACHES Concerned with the effect of delay Principally a question of inequity of permitting a claimed to be enforced Not statutory Applies in equity Not based on fixed of time

PRESCRIPTION Concerned with the fact of delay

Pay damages in case of Pay damages in case of breach of obligation by breach of obligation by reason of delay, fraud, reason of delay, fraud, negligence, contravention of negligence, contravention of the tenor thereof (Art. the tenor thereof (Art. 1170) 1170,)

It is a matter of time Statutory Applies at law Based on fixed of time (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 609-610)

Fortuitous event extinguishes the obligation

Q: In failing to deliver a thing, what are the remedies of the creditor?

Note: The doctrine of laches is inapplicable when the claim was filed within the prescriptive period set forth under the law (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 610).

A: SPECIFIC OBLIGATION

GENERIC OBLIGATION

Specific performance

Specific performance (delivery of any thing belonging to the same species)

Rescission (action to rescind under Art. 1380,)

Ask that the obligation be complied with at the debtor’s expense

NATURE AND EFFECTS OF OBLIGATIONS Q: What are the types of real obligation? A: a. b. c.

Obligation is not extinguished (genus nun quam peruit – genus never perishes)

Determinate/specific – particularly designated or physically segregated from all others of the same class. Indeterminate/Generic– is designated merely by its class or genus. Limited generic– generic objects confined to a particular class (e.g. an obligation to deliver one of my horses) (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 2002 ed, p. 91)

Resolution or specific Resolution (action for performance, with damages cancellation under Art. 1191) in either case (Art. 1191) Damages, in both cases (Art. 1170) Note: May be exclusive or in addition to the above-mentioned remedies(Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 37) Note: In an obligation to deliver a specific thing, the creditor has the right to demand preservation of the thing, its accessions, accessories, and the fruits. The creditor is entitled to the fruits and interests from the time the obligation to deliver the thing arise.


164

OBLIGATIONS Q: When is the debtor obliged to deliver the thing and the fruits? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Q: What are the types of personal obligations? A: 1. 2.

When obligation is based on law, quasi-delict, quasicontract or crime, the specific provisions of the applicable law, shall determine when the delivery shall be done or effected When the obligation is subject to a suspensive condition, the obligation to deliver arises from the happening of the condition When the obligation is subject to a suspensive term or period, the obligation arises from the constitution, creation or perfection of the obligation When there is no condition or term (period), the obligation to deliver arises from the constitution, creation or perfection of the obligation (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 31).

Q: What are the remedies in personal obligations? A: 1.

Positive personal obligations a. not purely personal act- to have obligation executed at debtor's expense plus damages b. purely personal act- damages only. Note: Same rule applies if obligation is done in contravention of the terms of the obligation. Furthermore, it may be decreed that what has been poorly done be undone (Art. 1167).

Q: What is the nature of the right of the creditor with respect to the fruits? A: 1. 2.

Positive - to do Negative - not to do

2.

Before delivery – personal right After delivery – real right

Negative personal obligation – to have the prohibited thing undone at the expense of the debtor plus damages. However, if thing cannot be physically or legally undone, only damages may be demanded (8 Manresa 58).

Q: Is specific performance a remedy in personal obligations?

Note: The creditor has a right to the fruits of the thing from the time the obligation to deliver it arises. However, he shall acquire no real right over it until the same has been delivered to him (Art. 1164).

Q: Distinguish personal right from real right

A: No. Otherwise this may amount to involuntary servitude which is prohibited by the Constitution (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 41).

A:

Q: When may a thing be ordered undone? PERSONAL

REAL

Jus ad rem

Jus in re

Enforceable only against a definite person/group of persons

Enforceable against the whole world

Right to demand from another, as a definite passive subject, the fulfillment of the prestation to give, to do or not to do.

Right over a specific thing, without a definite passive subject against whom the right may be personally enforced.

Has a definite passive subject

No definite passive subject (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 3435)

A: 1. 2.

If made poorly Negative personal obligations provided that the undoing is possible BREACHES OF OBLIGATIONS

Q: What is the degree of diligence required? A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: What is the principle of “balancing of equities” as applied in actions for specific performance? A: In decreeing specific performance, equity requires not only that the contract be just and equitable in its provisions, but that the consequences of specific performance likewise be just and equitable. The general rule is that this equitable relief will not be granted if, under the circumstances of the case, the result of the specific performance of the contract would be harsh, inequitable, and oppressive or result in an unconscionable advantage to the plaintiff (Agcaoili v. GSIS, G.R. No. 30056, Aug. 30, 1988).

That agreed upon; In the absence of such, that which is required by the law; In the absence of the foregoing, diligence of a good father of a family – that reasonable diligence which an ordinary prudent person would have done under the same circumstances. XPN: Common carriers requiring extraordinary diligence (Arts. 1998-2002)

Q: What is the concept of a good father of the family? A: The Supreme Court described a good father as not and is not supposed to be omniscient of the future; rather, he is one who takes precautions against any harm when there is something before him to suggest or warn him of the danger or to foresee it (Picart v. Smith, G.R. No. L-12406, Mar. 15, 1918).

165


CIVIL LAW Q: What are the kinds of delay? Q: What are the forms of breach of obligations? A: 1.

2.

A: 1. Voluntary –debtor is liable for damages if he is guilty of: a. default (mora) b. fraud (dolo) c. negligence (culpa) d. breach through contravention of the tenor thereof (Art. 1170) Involuntary – debtor is unable to perform the obligation due to fortuitous event thus not liable for damages.

2.

Ordinary delay – this is the mere failure to perform an obligation at the appointed time. Extraordinary delay or legal delay – this is the delay which is tantamount to non-fulfillment of the obligation and arises after the extrajudicial or judicial demand has been made upon the debtor (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 31).

Q: What are the requisites of delay? A: 1. 2.

Q: What are the effects of breach of obligation?

Obligation must be due, demandable and liquidated; Debtor fails to perform his positive obligation on the date agreed upon; A judicial or extra-judicial demand made by the creditor upon the debtor to fulfill, perform or comply with his obligation; and Failure of the debtor to comply with such demand.

A: If a person obliged to do something fails to do it, or if he does it in contravention of the tenor of the obligation or what has been poorly done be undone, the same shall be executed at his cost (Art. 1167).

3.

When the obligation consists in not doing, and the obligor does what has been forbidden him, it shall also be undone at his expense. (Art.1168)

Note: In reciprocal obligations, the moment one party is ready to comply with his obligation, delay by the other begins. There is no need for demand from either party.

Q: What are the instances where the remedy under Art. 1168 is not available?

Q: What are the kinds of delay or default?

A: 1.

2.

4.

A: 1.

Where the effects of the act which is forbidden are definite in character – even if it is possible for the creditor to ask that the act be undone at the expense of the debtor, consequences contrary to the object of the obligation will have been produced which are permanent in character. Where it would be physically or legally impossible to undo what has been undone – because of: a. the very nature of the act itself; b. a provision of law; or c. conflicting rights of third persons.

2. 3.

Mora solvendi – default on the part of the debtor/obligor a. Ex re – default in real obligations (to give) b. Ex personae – default in personal obligations (to do) Mora accipiendi – default on the part of the creditor/obligee Compensatio morae – default on the part of both the debtor and creditor in reciprocal obligations MORA SOLVENDI

Q: What are the requisites of mora solvendi?

Note: In either case, the remedy is to seek recovery for damages. (Art.1168)

DELAY (MORA)

A: 1. 2.

Q: When does delay or default arise?

3.

A: Those obliged to deliver or to do something incur in delay from the time the obligee (creditor) judicially or extrajudicially demands from them the fulfillment of their obligation.

4. 5.

Obligation pertains to the debtor; Obligation is determinate, due and demandable, and liquidated; Obligation has not been performed on its maturity date; There is judicial or extrajudicial demand by the creditor; Failure of the debtor to comply with such demand.

Q: Does mora solvendi apply in natural obligations? In reciprocal obligations, neither party incurs in delay if the other does not comply or is not ready to comply in a proper manner with what is incumbent upon him. From the moment one of the parties fulfills his obligations, delay by the other begins (Art. 1169).

A: No, because performance is optional or voluntary on the debtor’s part. It does not grant a right of action to enforce their performance. Q: Does mora solvendi apply in negative obligations? A: No, because one can never be late in not giving or doing something.


166

OBLIGATIONS Q: What are the effects of mora solvendi? 2. A: 1.

Debtor may be liable for damages or interests; and

Reciprocal obligations GR: Fulfillment by simultaneous.

Note: The interest shall commence from the filing of the complaint when there is no extrajudicial demand.

2.

3.

both

parties

should

be

XPN: When different dates for the performance of obligation is fixed by the parties.

When it has for its object a determinate thing, debtor may bear the risk of loss of the thing even if the loss is due to fortuitous event. Rescission or resolution

Q: What are reciprocal obligations? A: These are obligations created and established at the same time, out of the same cause and which results in the mutual relationship between the parties.

Q: May the debtor’s liability be mitigated even if he is guilty of delay?

Q: When does a party incur in delay in reciprocal obligations?

A: Yes. If the debtor can prove that loss would nevertheless transpire even if he had not been in default, the court may equitably mitigate his liability (Art. 2215 (4); Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 47)

A: In reciprocal obligations, one party incurs in delay from the moment the other party fulfills his obligation, while he himself does not comply or is not ready to comply in a proper manner with what is incumbent upon him.

MORA ACCIPIENDI Q: What are the requisites of mora accipiendi?

Q: In reciprocal obligations, when is demand necessary in order for a party to incur in delay?

A: 1. 2.

A: Only when the respective obligations are to be performed on separate dates.

3.

Offer of performance by a capacitated debtor; Offer must be to comply with the prestation as it should be performed; and Refusal of the creditor without just cause.

Q: What is the effect of non-compliance of both parties in reciprocal obligations?

Q: What are the effects of mora accipiendi? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

A: If neither party complies with his prestation, default of one compensates for the default of the other.

Responsibility of debtor is limited to fraud and gross negligence Debtor is exempted from risk of loss of thing; creditor bears risk of loss Expenses by debtor for preservation of thing after delay is chargeable to creditor If the obligation bears interest, debtor does not have to pay from time of delay Creditor liable for damages Debtor may relieve himself of obligation by consigning the thing

Q: What may cause the cessation of the effects of mora? A: 1. 2.

FRAUD Q: What is fraud? A: It is an intentional evasion of the faithful performance of the obligation (8 Manresa 72). It is also known as deceit or dolo.

COMPENSATIO MORAE Q: What are the rules on default? A: 1.

Renunciation (express/implied); or Prescription.

Q: What are the kinds of fraud? A:

Unilateral obligations GR: Default or delay begins from extrajudicial or judicial demand – mere expiration of the period fixed is not enough in order that DR may incur delay. XPNs: a. The obligation or the law expressly so dictates; b. Time is of the essence; c. Demand would be useless, as debtor has rendered it beyond his power to perform; or d. Debtor has acknowledged that he is in default.

1)

2)

167

Fraud in obtaining consent or that employed by a person to induce another to enter into a contract, without which the latter would not have agreed to (Art. 1338, Civil Code). Fraund in performance of the obligation or the intentional evasion of the normal fulfilment of the obligation.


CIVIL LAW Q: What type of fraud is present in Art. 1171?

Q: What is the effect if the obligor is in good faith or in bad faith?

A: It is incidental fraud or fraud in the performance of the obligation and not the fraud in the execution of the contract or causal fraud. It is the intentional evasion of the normal fulfilment of the obligation. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 53)

A: If the obligor acted in good faith, he is responsible for the natural and probable consequences of the breach of contract and which the parties have reasonably foreseen at the time of the constitution of the obligation.

Note: Responsibility arising from fraud is demandable in all obligations. Any waiver of an action for future fraud is void. (Art. 1171)

If the obligor is guilty of fraud, bad faith, malice or wanton attitude, he shall be responsible for all damages which may be reasonably attributed to the non-performance of the obligation.

Q: May an action arising from fraud be waived?

Q: What are the effects of contributory negligence of the creditor?

A: With respect to fraud that has already been committed, the law does not prohibit renunciation of the action for damages based on the same. However, the law does prohibit any waiver of an action for future fraud since the same is contrary to law and public policy. Waiver for future fraud is void (Art. 1171).

A: GR: It reduces or mitigates the damages which he can recover. XPN: If the negligent act or omission of the creditor is the proximate cause of the event which led to the damage or injury complained of, he cannot recover

Note: Waiver of past fraud is valid since such can be deemed an act of generosity. What is renounced is the effect of fraud, particularly the right to indemnity.

Q: What are the remedies of the defrauded party?

Q: What are the kinds of negligence or culpa?

A: 1. 2. 3.

A: 1.

Specific performance (Art. 1233) Resolution of the contract (Art. 1191) Damages, in either case

2.

NEGLIGENCE 3.

Q: Distinguish fraud from negligence A: FRAUD

NEGLIGENCE

There is no deliberate There is deliberate intention intention to cause damage to cause damage or injury even if the act was done voluntarily Liability cannot be mitigated

Liability may be mitigated GR: Waiver for future negligence may be allowed in certain cases

Waiver for future fraud is void

XPN:Nature of the obligation or public policy requires extraordinary diligence (e.g. common carrier)

Note: When negligence is so gross that it amounts to wanton attitude on the part of the debtor, the laws in case of fraud shall apply. Where negligence shows bad faith (i.e., deliberately committed) it is considered equivalent to fraud. Any waiver of an action for future negligence of this kind is therefore void.


168

Culpa contractual (contractual negligence) – which result from breach of contract Culpa aquiliana (civil negligence or tort or quasi-delict) – this acts or omissions that cause damage to another, there being no contractual relation between the parties. (Art. 2176) Culpa criminal (criminal negligence) – which results in the commission of a crime or a delict.

OBLIGATIONS Q: Distinguish culpa contractual from culpa aquiliana and culpa criminal A: CULPA CONTRACTUAL (CONTRACT) Negligence is merely an incident in the performance of an obligation There is always a pre-existing contractual relation The source of obligation of defendant to pay damages is the breach or non-fulfillment of the contract

CULPA AQUILIANA (QUASI-DELICT) Existence of Negligence Negligence is substantive and independent Contractual Relations There is no pre-existing contractual relation Source of Obligation The source of obligation is defendant’s negligence itself

CULPA CRIMINAL (DELICT) Negligence is substantive and independent There is no pre-existing contractual relation

The source of obligation is an act or omission punishable by law

Proof of Negligence Proof of the existence of the contract and of its breach or nonfulfillment is sufficient prima facie to warrant recovery

The negligence of the defendant must be proved

Accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved beyond reasonable doubt

Defense Available Defense of “good father of a family” in the selection & supervision of the employees is not a proper complete defense though it may mitigate damages. Respondeat superior or command responsibility or the master and servant rule

Defense of “good father of a family”in the selection & supervision of the employees is a proper and complete defense

Defense of “good father of a family”in the selection & s upervision of the employees is not a proper defense The employee’s guilt is automatically the employer’s civil guilt, if the former is insolvent

Proof needed Preponderance of evidence


169

Proof of guilt beyond reasonable doubt


CIVIL LAW CONTRAVENTION OF TENOR OF OBLIGATION (VIOLATIO)

4.

Q: What is violation of the terms of the contract? A: It is the act of contravening the tenor or terms or conditions of the contract. It is also known as “violatio,” i.e. failure of common carrier to take its passenger to their destination. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 50)

5. 6. 7.

Note: Under Art. 1170, the phrase “in any manner contravene the tenor” of the obligation includes any illicit act which impairs the strict and faithful fulfillment of the obligation, or every kind of defective performance. Such violation of the terms of contract is excused in proper cases by fortuitous events.

Q: Philcomsat contends that expiration of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement and non-ratification of the treaty is not a fortuitous event. Decide.

FORTUITOUS EVENT

A: No. The requisites for fortuitous events are present in the instant case. Philcomsat and Globe had no control over the non-renewal of the term of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement when the same expired in 1991, because the prerogative to ratify the treaty belonged to the Senate. Neither did the parties have control over the subsequent withdrawal of the US military forces and personnel from Cubi Point. The events made impossible the continuation of the agreement without fault on the part of either party. Such fortuitous events rendered Globe exempt from payment of rentals for the remainder of the term of the agreement. (Philippine Communications Satellite Corp.v.Globe Telecom, Inc.,G.R. No. 147324, May 25, 2004)

Q: What is fortuitous event? A: It is an occurrence or happening which could not be foreseen, or even if foreseen, is inevitable (Art. 1174). Q: What are the requisites of a fortuitous event? A: 1. 2. 3.

4.

Cause of breach is independent of the will of the debtor; The event is unforeseeable or unavoidable; Occurrence renders it absolutely impossible for the debtor to fulfill his obligation in a normal manner impossibility must be absolute not partial, otherwise not force majeure; and Debtor is free from any participation in the aggravation of the injury to the creditor.

Q: Distinguish Act of God from Act of Man A: ACT OF GOD Fortuitous event

Note: The fortuitous event must not only be the proximate cause but it must also be the only and sole cause. Contributory negligence of the debtor renders him liable despite the fortuitous event (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 62).

Event which is absolutely independent of human intervention i.e. – earthquakes, storms, floods, epidemics

If the negligence was the proximate cause, the obligation is not extinguished. It is converted into a monetary obligation for damages

ACT OF MAN Force majeure Event caused by the legitimate or illegitimate acts of persons other than the obligor i.e. – armed invasion, robbery, war (Pineda, Obligations and Contract, 2000 ed, p. 60)

Note: There is no essential difference between fortuitous event and force majuere; they both refer to causes independent of the will of the obligor (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 2002 ed, p. 127).

Q: If the happening of an event is difficult to foresee, is it a fortuitous event? A: No. The mere difficulty to foresee the happening is not impossibility to foresee the same (Republic v. Luzon Stevedoring Corp., G.R. No. L-21749, Sept. 29, 1967).

Q: MIAA entered into a compromise agreement with ALA. MIAA failed to pay within the period stipulated. Thus, ALA filed a motion for execution to enforce its claim. MIAA filed a comment and attributed the delays to its being a government agency and the Christmas rush. Is the delay of payment a fortuitous event?

Q: Is there liability for loss due to fortuitous event? A: GR: There is no liability for loss in case of fortuitous event.

A: No. The act-of-God doctrine requires all human agencies to be excluded from creating the cause of the mischief. Such doctrine cannot be invoked to protect a person who has failed to take steps to forestall the possible adverse consequences of loss or injury. Since the delay in payment in the present case was partly a result of human participation - whether from active intervention or neglect -

XPNs: LaNS-PCBaG 1. Law 2. Nature of the obligation requires the assumption of risk 3. Stipulation UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

The debtor is guilty of dolo, malice or bad faith, has Promised the same thing to two or more persons who does not have the same interest (Art. 1165) The debtor Contributed to the loss (Tan v. Inchausti & Co., G.R. No. L-6472, Mar. 7, 1912) The possessor is in Bad faith (Art. 552) The obligor is Guilty of fraud, negligence or delay or if he contravened the tenor of the obligation (Juan Nakpil v. United Construction Co., Inc. v. CA, G.R. No. L-47851, Apr. 15, 1988)

170

OBLIGATIONS the whole occurrence was humanized and was therefore outside the ambit of a caso fortuito.

th

the 17 month, work was only 45% completed. AB Corp. asked for extension of time, claiming that its labor problems is a case of fortuitous event, but this was denied by XY Corp. When it became certain that the construction could not be finished on time, XY Corp. sent written notice cancelling the contract and requiring AB Corp. to immediately vacate the premises. Can the labor unrest be considered a fortuitous event? (2008 Bar Question)

First, processing claims against the government are certainly not only foreseeable and expectable, but also dependent upon the human will. Second, the Christmas season is not a caso fortuito, but a regularly occurring event. Third, the occurrence of the Christmas season did not at all render impossible the normal fulfillment of the obligation.

A: No. Labor unrest is not a fortuitous event that will excuse AB Corp. from complying with its obligation of constructing the research and laboratory facilities of XY Corp. The labor unrest, which may even be attributed in large part to AB Corp. itself, is not the direct cause of noncompliance by AB Corp. It is independent of its obligation. It is similar to the failure of a DBP borrower to pay her loan just because her plantation suffered losses due to the cadang-cadang disease. It does not excuse compliance with the obligation (DBP v. Vda. De Moll). AB Corp. could have anticipated the labor unrest which was caused by delays in paying the laborer’s wages. The company could have hired additional laborers to make up for the work slowdown.

Fourth, MIAA cannot argue that it is free from any participation in the delay. It should have laid out on the compromise table the problems that would be caused by a deadline falling during the Christmas season. Furthermore, it should have explained to ALA the process involved for the payment of ALA’s claim (MIAA v. Ala Industries Corp., G.R. No. 147349, Feb. 13, 2004). Q: What are the effects of fortuitous event? A: 1. 2.

On determinate obligation – the obligation is extinguished On generic obligation – the obligation is not extinguished (genus nun quam peruit – genus never perishes)

Q: Can XY Corp. unilaterally and immediately cancel the contract? (2008 Bar Question) A: Yes, XY Corp. may unilaterally cancel the obligation but this is subject to the risk that the cancellation of the reciprocal obligation being challenged in court and if AB Corp. succeeds, then XY Corp. will be declared in default and be liable for damages.

Q: Kristina brought her diamond ring to a jewelry shop for cleaning. The jewelry shop undertook to return the ring by February 1, 1999. When the said date arrived, the jewelry shop informed Kristina that the job was not yet finished. They asked her to return five days later. On February 6, 1999, Kristina went to the shop to claim the ring, but she was informed that the same was stolen by a thief who entered the shop the night before. Kristina filed an action for damages against the jewelry shop which put up the defense of force majeure. Will the action prosper or not? (2000 Bar Question)

Q: Must AB Corp. return the 50% down payment? (2008 Bar Question) A: No, under the principle of quantum meruit, AB Corp. had the right to retain payment corresponding to his percentage of accomplishment less the amount of damages suffered by XY Corp. because of the delay or default.

A: Yes. The action will prosper. Since the defendant was already in default for not having delivered the ring when delivery was demanded by plaintiff at due date, the defendant is liable for the loss of the thing and even when the loss was due to force majeure.

REMEDIES Q: What are the remedies that may be availed of in case of breach of obligation?

The defendant who is obliged to deliver incurred delay from the time the plaintiff extrajudicially demands the fulfillment of the obligation (Art. 1169). The defendant shall be held liable for the loss of the thing even it was due to fortuitous event.

A: 1.

2. 3. 4.

Q: AB Corp. entered into a contract with XY Corp. whereby the former agreed to construct the research and laboratory facilities of the latter. Under the terms of the contract, AB Corp. agreed to complete the facility in 18 months, at the total contract price of P10 million. XY Corp. paid 50% of the total contract price, the balance to be paid upon completion of the work. The work started immediately, but AB Corp. later experienced work slippage because of labor unrest in his company. AB Corp.’s employees claimed that they are not being paid on time; hence, the work slowed down. As of

171

Specific performance, or substituted performance by a third person in case of an obligation to deliver a generic thing, and in obligations to do, unless it is a purely personal act; or Rescission (or resolution in reciprocal obligations); Damages, in any case; Subsidiary remedies of creditors: a. Accion subrogatoria b. Accion pauliana c. Accion directa


CIVIL LAW SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE

he had conveyed the subject properties to his children. Thus, Philam filed an accion pauliana for rescission of the donations. Felix countered that an action for rescission of the donation had already prescribed since the time of prescription has to run from the date of registration. Has the action filed by Philam prescribed?

Q: What are the remedies in connection with specific performance? A: 1. 2.

3.

Exhaustion of the properties of the debtor (not exempt from attachment under the law) Accion subrogatoria (subrogatory action) – an indirect action brought in the name of the debtor by the creditor to enforce the former’s rights except: a. personal rights of the debtor b. rights inherent in the person of the debtor c. properties exempt from execution (e.g .family home) Accion pauliana (rescissory action) – an action to impugn or assail the acts done or contracts entered into by the debtor in fraud of his creditor.

A: No. Philam only learned about the unlawful conveyances made by Felix more than four years after the donations were effected, when its counsel accompanied the sheriff to Butuan City to attach the properties. There they found that he no longer had any properties in his name. It was only then that Philam's action for rescission of the deeds of donation accrued because then it could be said that Philam had exhausted all legal means to satisfy the trial court's judgment in its favor. Since Philam filed its complaint for accion pauliana against petitioners barely a month from its discovery that Felix had no other property to satisfy the judgment award against him, its action for rescission of the subject deeds clearly had not yet prescribed. (Khe Hong Cheng v. CA,G.R. No. 144169, Mar. 28, 2000)

Note: Resort to the remedies must be in the order stated above. (Art. 1177)

Q: Sacramento Steel Corporation (SSC) is a business entity manufacturing and producing steel and steel products. It entered into a credit agreement with respondent International Exchange Bank (IEB). As security for its obligations, SSC executed 5 separate deeds of chattel mortgage constituted over various equipment found in its steel manufacturing plant.

Note: The debtor is liable with all his property, present and future, for the fulfillment of his obligations, subject to the exemptions provided by law (De Leon, Obligations and Contracts, 2003 ed, p.71).

Q: What is substitute performance? A: It is a remedy of the creditor in case of non-performance by the debtor where another party performs the obligation or the same is performed at the expense of the debtor.

Subsequently, SSC defaulted in the payment of its obligations. IEB’s demand for payment went unheeded. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metro Bank) filed a motion for intervention as a creditor of SSC. It contends that the mortgage contracts between IEB and SSC were entered into to defraud the latter’s creditors. Thus, it prayed for the rescission of the chattel mortgaged executed by SSC in favor of IEB. Will the action to rescind the mortgage prosper?

Q: When may there be substitute performance? A: 1.

A: No. Jurisprudence is clear that the following successive measures must be taken by a creditor before he may bring an action for rescission of an allegedly fraudulent contract: (1) exhaust the properties of the debtor through levying by attachment and execution upon all the property of the debtor, except such as are exempt by law from execution; (2) exercise all the rights and actions of the debtor, save those personal to him (accion subrogatoria); and (3) seek rescission of the contracts executed by the debtor in fraud of their rights (accion pauliana). It is thus apparent that an action to rescind, or an accion pauliana, must be of last resort, availed of only after the creditor has exhausted all the properties of the debtor not exempt from execution or after all other legal remedies have been exhausted and have been proven futile (Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company v. International Exchange Bank, G.R. No. 176008, August 10, 2011).

2.

RESCISSION Q: What is rescission under Article 1191?

Q: While the case was pending, Felix donated his parcels of land in favor of his children. Judgment was rendered against Felix. When the sheriff, accompanied by counsel of Philam, sought to enforce the alias writ of execution, they discovered that Felix no longer had any property and that UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Positive personal obligation: a. If not purely personal – substitute performance; the obligation shall be executed at debtor’s cost if he fails to do it. (Art. 1167) b. Purely personal – no substitute performance may be demanded because of the personal qualifications taken into consideration. The only remedy is damages. Real obligation: a. Generic thing – substitute performance; delivery may be made by a person other than the debtor since the object is merely designated by its class or genus. The creditor may ask that the obligation be complied with at the expense of the debtor (1165). b. Specific thing – specific performance may be demanded, that is, the creditor may compel the debtor to make the delivery.

A: It refers to the cancellation of the contract or reciprocal obligation in case of breach on the part of one, which breach is violative of the reciprocity between the parties. This is properly called resolution.

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OBLIGATIONS condominium units will never be available. The impossibility of fulfillment of the obligation on the part of Vermen necessitates resolution of the contract, for indeed, the non-fulfillment of the obligation aforementioned constitutes substantial breach of the agreement (Vermen Realty Development Corp. v. CA and Seneca Hardware Co., Inc., G.R. No. 101762, July 6, 1993)

Note: The rescission under Art. 1380 is rescission based on lesion or fraud upon creditors.

Q: What kind of obligation is resolution available? A: Reciprocal obligation, since resolution is implied therein. Q: What are the characteristics of the right to rescind? A: 1.

2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

Q: Ong and spouses Robles executed an "agreement of purchase and sale" of 2 parcels of land. Pursuant to the contract they executed, Ong partially paid the spouses the by depositing it with the bank. Subsequently, Ong deposited sums of money with the BPI in accordance with their stipulation that Ong pay the loan of the spouse with BPI. To answer for Ong’s balance, he issued 4 post-dated checks which were dishonored. Ong failed to replace the checks and to pay the loan in full. Can the contract entered into by Ong and the spouses be rescinded?

Can be demanded only if plaintiff is ready, willing and able to comply with his own obligation and defendant is not; Not absolute; Needs judicial approval in the absence of a stipulation allowing for extra-judicial rescission, in cases of nonreciprocal obligations; Subject to judicial review if availed of extra-judicially; May be waived expressly or impliedly; and Implied to exist in reciprocal obligations therefore need not be expressly stipulated upon.

A: No. The agreement of the parties in this case may be set aside, but not because of a breach on the part of Ong for failure to complete payment of the purchase price. Rather, his failure to do so brought about a situation which prevented the obligation of the spouses to convey title from acquiring an obligatory force.

Q: May an injured party avail of both fulfillment and rescission as remedy? A: GR: The injured party can only choose between fulfillment and rescission of the obligation, and cannot have both.

The agreement of purchase and sale shows that it is in the nature of a contract to sell. Ong’s failure to complete payment of the purchase price is a non-fulfillment of the condition of full payment which rendered the contract to sell ineffective and without force and effect. The breach contemplated in Article 1191 is the obligor’s failure to comply with an obligation. In this case, Ong’s failure to pay is not even a breach but merely an event which prevents the vendor’s obligation to convey title from acquiring binding force.

XPN: If fulfillment has become impossible, Article 1191 allows the injured party to seek rescission even after he has chosen fulfillment. (Ayson-Simon v. Adamos,G.R. No. L-39378, Aug. 28 1984) Q: Vermen and Seneca entered into an "offsetting agreement", where Seneca is obliged to deliver construction materials to Vermen, who is obliged to pay Seneca and to deliver possession of 2 condominium units to Seneca upon its completion. Seneca filed a complaint for rescission of the offsetting against Vermen alleging that the latter had stopped issuing purchase orders of construction materials without valid reason, thus resulting in the stoppage of deliveries of construction materials on its part, in violation of the Offsetting Agreement. Can the agreement be rescinded?

Note: In a contract to sell, the payment of the purchase price is a positive suspensive condition, the failure of which is not a breach, casual or serious, but a situation that prevents the obligation of the vendor to convey title from acquiring an obligatory force. (Ongv.CA, G.R. No. 97347, July 6, 1999)

DAMAGES Q: When does liability for damages arise?

A: Yes, because the provisions of the offsetting agreement are reciprocal in nature. Article 1191 of the Civil Code provides the remedy of rescission (more appropriately, the term is "resolution") in case of reciprocal obligations, where one of the obligors fails to comply with that is incumbent upon him.

A: Those liable under Art. 1170 shall pay damages only if aside from the breach of contract, prejudice or damage was caused (Berg v. Teus, G.R. No. L-6450, Oct 30, 1954).

The question of whether a breach of contract is substantial depends upon the attendant circumstances. Seneca did not fail to fulfill its obligation in the offsetting agreement. The discontinuance of delivery of construction materials to Vermen stemmed from the failure of Vermen to send purchase orders to Seneca. Vermen would never have been able to fulfill its obligation in allowing Seneca to exercise the option to transfer from Phase I to Phase II, as the construction of Phase II has ceased and the subject

Q: What are the kinds of damages?

Note: If action is brought for specific performance, damages sought must be asked in the same action; otherwise the damages are deemed waived (Daywalt v. Augusitinian Corp, 39 Phil 567).

A: MENTAL 1. Moral 2. Exemplary 3. Nominal 4. Temperate 5. Actual 6. Liquidated

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CIVIL LAW SUBSIDIARY REMEDIES

2)

ACCION SUBROGATORIA 3) Q: What is accion subrogatoria? 4) A: It is an action whereby the creditor whose claim had not been fully satisfied, may go after the debtors (third persons) of the defendant-debtor. Q: What are the requisites of accion subrogatoria? A: IPNI 1. 2. 3. 4.

Art. 1608 – right of sellers a retro to redeem property from persons other than the buyer a retro. Art. 1729 – subsidiary liability of owners to laborers and material men. Art. 1893 – the principal may sue the substitute of the agent with respect to the obligations which the substitute has contracted under the substitution. KINDS OF CIVIL OBLIGATIONS PURE OBLIGATIONS

The debtor’s assets must be Insufficient to satisfy claims against him; The creditor must have Pursued all properties of the debtor subject to execution; The right of action must Not be purely personal; and The debtor whose right of action is exercised must be Indebted to the creditor.

Q: What is pure obligation? A: It is an obligation whose performance does not depend upon a future or uncertain event, or upon a past event or upon a past event unknown to the parties, demandable at once (Art. 1179). CONDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS

Note: Accion subrogatoria is different and distinct from active subjective subrogation governed by Articles 1300 to 1304. In the latter, there is change of creditors whereas in the former there is no change of creditors; the creditor merely acts in the name and for the account of the debtor after exhausting the assets of the latter but not enough to satisfy the claims of the creditor.

Q: What is conditional obligation? A: It is an obligation subject to a condition and the effectivity of which is subordinated to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of a future and uncertain event, or upon a past event unknown to the parties (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 70).

ACCION PAULIANA Q: What is accion pauliana?

Q: What is a condition?

A: It is an action where the creditor files an action in court for the rescission of acts or contracts entered into by the debtor designed to defraud the former.

A: It is an uncertain event which wields an influence on a legal relationship (Manresa). Q: What does a constructive fulfillment of a condition entail?

Note: When the creditor could not collect in any manner, accion pauliana may be resorted by him to rescind a fraudulent alienation of property (Regalado, v. Luchsinger and Co., 5 Phil 625).

A: The condition shall be deemed fulfilled when the obligor voluntarily prevents its fulfillment (Art. 1186)

Q: What are the requisites of accion pauliana?

Note: No person shall profit by his own wrong. Mere intention to prevent the happening of thee condition will not be enough without actually preventing the fulfillment.

A: IAP-PL 1. Defendant must be Indebted to plaintiff; 2. The fraudulent act performed by the debtor subsequent to the contract gives Advantage to another; 3. The creditor is Prejudiced by such act; 4. The creditor must have Pursued all properties of the debtor subject to execution; and 5. The creditor has no other Legal remedy.

The doctrine applies only to suspensive condition. (Taylor v. Uy Tieng Piao, 43 Phil. 873)

Q: Ramon, the judicial administrator of the estate of Juan, found out that Rodriguez had enlarged the area of the land which he purchased from Juan before his death. Thus, Ramon demanded Rodriguez to vacate the portion allegedly encroached by him. Rodriguez refused and contested there was indeed a conditional sale with the balance of the purchase price payable within five years from the execution of the deed of sale. Ramon then filed an action for recovery of possession of the disputed lot. Is the contract of sale a conditional one?

ACCION DIRECTA Q: What is accion directa? A: It is the right of a person to go directly against another who has no privity to the contract. (Arts. 1652, 1608, 1729, 1893) 1)

A: No. The stipulation that the "payment of the full consideration based on a survey shall be due and payable in 5 years from the execution of a formal deed of sale" is not a

Art. 1652 – subsidiary liability of sublessee for the rent.


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OBLIGATIONS condition which affects the efficacy of the contract of sale. It merely provides the manner by which the full consideration is to be computed and the time within which the same is to be paid. But it does not affect in any manner the effectivity of the contract (Heirs of San Andres v. Rodriguez, G.R. No. 135634, May 31, 2000).

2.

Personal obligations- the court determines the retroactive effect of the condition fulfilled (Art. 1187)

Q: What are the rights of the parties before the fulfillment of the condition?

Q: Distinguish period from condition. A: PERIOD CONDITION As to Time May refer to past event Refers to the future unknown to the parties As to Fulfillment It will happen at an exact date or at an May or may not happen indefinite time, but is sure to arrive As to its Influence on the Obligation to be Fulfilled or Performed No effect or influence May give rise to an upon the existence of obligation (suspensive) the obligation but only or the cessation of one in its demandability or already existing performance (resolutory)

A: 1.

2.

Creditor – may bring the appropriate actions for the preservation of his right (Art. 1188), such as: (a) action for prohibition restraining the alienation of the thing pending the happening of the suspensive condition (b) petition for the annotation of the creditor’s right with the proper registry (c) action to demand security if the debtor has become insolvent (d) action to set aside alienations made by the debtor in fraud of creditors (e) action against adverse possessors to interrupt the running of prescriptive period. Debtor – may recover what during the same time he has paid by mistake in case of a suspensive condition (Art. 1188).

Q: In cases of obligations with a suspensive condition and obligation for the delivery of determinate or specific things, what are the effects of loss, deterioration, and improvements in real obligations?

Note: Period refers to a future and certain event while condition refers to a future and uncertain event.

SUSPENSIVE CONDITION A: WITH DR’S FAULT

WITHOUT DR’S FAULT Loss DR pays damages Obligation extinguished Deterioration CR- choose b/w rescission of obligation Impairment borne by or fulfillment (with CR indemnity for damages in either case) Improvement 1. By the thing’s nature or by time – inure to the benefit of the CR 2. At the debtor’s expense – DR shall have no right other than that granted to a usufructuary

Q: What is a suspensive condition? A: A condition the fulfillment of which will give rise to the acquisition of a right. While the condition has not arrived yet, in the meantime, the rights and obligations of the parties are suspended. Note: In suspensive condition or condition precedent, the efficacy or the obligatory force is subordinated to the happening of a “future and uncertain event”; if the suspensive condition does not take place the parties would stand as if the conditional obligation never existed. (Gaite v. Fonacier, 2 SCRA 830; Cheng v. Genato, 300 SCRA 722; Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000, ed. p. 76)

Q: What are the effects of fulfillment of the suspensive condition? A: 1.

Note: Loss, deterioration and improvement cannot apply to indeterminate or generic things. “Genus nun quam peruit” – “genus never perishes”

Real obligations: GR: Retroacts to the day of the constitution of the obligation.

Loss is understood that the thing is lost when it perishes, or goes out of commerce, or disappears in such a way that its existence is unknown or it cannot be recovered.

XPNs: There is no retroactive effect with respect to the fruits and interest: a. In reciprocal obligations, the fruits and interests shall be deemed to have been mutually compensated; b. In unilateral obligations, the debtor appropriates the fruits and interest received before the fulfillment of the condition unless contrary to the intention of the parties (Art. 1187)

Q: What are the requisites for Art.1189 to apply? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

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Must be a real obligation; Object is a specific/determinate thing; Obligation is subject to a suspensive condition; The condition is fulfilled; and


CIVIL LAW 5.

There is loss, deterioration or improvement of the thing during the pendency of the happening of the condition.

Q: The late Don Lopez, Sr., who was then a member of the Board of Trustees of CPU, executed a deed of donation in favor of the latter of a parcel of land subject to the condition that it shall be utilized for the establishment and use of a medical college. However, the heirs of Don Lopez, Sr., filed an action for annulment of the donation, reconveyance and damages against CPU alleging that CPU had not complied with the conditions of the donation.

Note: The same conditions apply in case of an obligor in obligations with a resolutory condition. In such cases, the third requisite must read, “subject to a resolutory condition.”

Q: What is meant by a positive suspensive condition?

Are the conditions imposed resolutory or suspensive?

A: It is a condition which requires a positive act on the part of the obligor which gives rise to the acquisition of rights. In a contract to sell, the obligation to sell the subject properties becomes demandable only upon the happening of the positive suspensive condition, which is the buyer’s full payment of the purchase price. Without full payment, there can be no breach of contract to speak of because the seller has no obligation yet to turn over the title (Reyes v. Tuparan, G.R. No. 188064, June 1, 2011).

A: Under Art. 1181 of the Civil Code, on conditional obligations, the acquisition of rights, as well as the extinguishment or loss of those already acquired, shall depend upon the happening of the event which constitutes the condition. Thus, when a person donates land to another on the condition that the latter would build upon the land a school, the condition imposed was not a condition precedent or a suspensive condition but a resolutory. It is not correct to say that the school house had to be constructed before the donation became effective, that is, before the donee could become the owner of the land, otherwise, it would be invading the property rights of the donor. The donation had to be valid before the fulfillment of the condition. If there was no fulfillment or compliance with the condition, the donation may now be revoked and all rights which the donee may have acquired under it shall be deemed lost and extinguished (Central Philippine University v. CA, G.R. No. 112127, July 17, 1995).

RESOLUTORY CONDITION Q: What is a resolutory condition? A: It is a condition where the rights already acquired are lost upon fulfillment of the condition. It is also known as condition subsequent. Q: What are the effects of fulfillment of resolutory condition? A: 1.

2.

Note: Rights over a donated land subject to a condition are already acquired upon the perfection of the donation subject to extinguishment upon, making it a resolutory condition. If the donee’s rights are suspended in the meantime, then it will be impossible for him to comply with the condition, as he cannot even enter its possession.

Real obligations: a. The parties shall return to each other what they have received. b. Obligation is extinguished. c. In case of the loss, deterioration or improvement of the thing, Art. 1189, with respect to the debtor, shall be applied to the party who is bound to return (Art. 1190). Personal obligations – the courts shall determine, in each case, the retroactive effect of the condition that has been complied with. (Art. 1187; Art. 1190)

Q: What is meant by a negative resolutory condition? A: It is an act, which if not done, would give rise to a cause of action against the obligor. It contemplates a situation where rights are already acquired but subject to an obligation, the non-fulfillment of which does not affect the rights already acquired but merely gives a cause of action in favor of the other party. In a contract of sale, the buyer’s non-payment of the price is a negative resolutory condition. In such case, the seller has lost and cannot recover the ownership of the property unless he takes action to set aside the contract of sale (Heirs of Atienza v. Espidol, G.R. No. 180665, August 11, 2010).

Q: Distinguish suspensive from resolutory conditions A: SUSPENSIVE RESOLUTORY CONDITION CONDITION Effect of Fulfillment Obligation arises or Obligation is becomes effective extinguished Effect of Non-fulfillment If not fulfilled, no If not fulfilled, juridical juridical relation is relation is consolidated created When Rights are Acquired Rights are not yet Rights are already acquired, but there is acquired, but subject to hope or expectancy the threat or danger of that they will soon be extinction acquired


POTESTATIVE CONDITION Q: When is a condition said to be potestative? A: When the condition depends upon the will of one of the contracting parties (Art. 1182). Q: Does a condition which depends upon the will of the debtor invalidate both the condition and the obligation? A: It depends. If the condition is suspensive, both the condition and obligation are VOID. However, if the

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OBLIGATIONS condition is a pre-exisiting one or the condition is resolutory, only the condition is void, leaving the obligation itself valid because what is left to the sole will of the debtor is not the existence or the fulfillment of the obligation but merely its extinguishment.

Note: In the foregoing, the obligations remain valid, only the condition is void and deemed to have not been imposed. It is applicable only to obligations not to do and gratuitous obligations.

OBLIGATIONS WITH A PERIOD

Q: What is the effect if the condition depends upon the will of the creditor?

Q: What is an obligation with a period or a term?

A: The condition and obligation are valid, whether the condition is suspensive or resolutory.

A: It is the obligations for whose fulfillment a day certain has been fixed, shall be demandable only when that day comes. (Art. 1193)

CASUAL CONDITION

Q: What are the requisites of a valid period or term?

Q: What is a casual condition?

A: FCP 1. 2. 3.

A: It is the performance or the fulfillment of the condition which depends upon chance and/or the will of a third person. Q: What is a mixed condition? A: It is the performance or fulfillment of the condition which depends partly upon the will of a party to the obligation and partly upon chance and or the will of a third person.

Future Certain Possible, legally and physically (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, Vol. IV., 2008 ed. p. 235)

Q: What is a term or period? A: It is a certain length of time which determines the effectivity or the extinguishment of the obligations.

Q: What is the status of casual and mixed conditions?

Q: What is a “day certain”?

A: Casual and mixed conditions, unlike purely potestative conditions, are valid.

A: It is understood to be that which must necessarily come, although it may not be known when.

Q: What are the other types of conditions?

Q: What are the kinds of terms or periods?

A: PN-DI-CAPI 1. Positive – involves the doing of an act 2. Negative – involves the omission of an act 3. Divisible – is susceptible of partial performance 4. Indivisible – is not susceptible of partial performance 5. Conjunctive – there are several conditions in an obligation all of which must be performed 6. Alternative – there are several conditions in an obligation but only one must be performed 7. Possible – is capable of fulfillment according to the nature, law, public policy or good customs 8. Impossible – is not capable of fulfillment according to nature, law, public policy or good customs (Art. 1183)

A: 1.

2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Q: What is the effect of an impossible or unlawful condition?

Ex die – this is a term or period with suspensive effect. The obligation begins only from a day certain, in other words upon the arrival of the period. In diem – a period or term with a resolutory effect. Up to a certain extent, the obligation remains valid, but upon the arrival of said period, the obligation terminates. Legal – a period granted under the provisions of the law. Conventional or voluntary – period agreed upon or stipulated by the parties. Judicial – the period or term fixed by the courts for the performance of an obligation or for its termination. Definite – the exact date or time is known and given. Indefinite – something that will surely happen but the date of happening is unknown.

Q: Is the statement of a debtor that he will pay when his means permit him to do so relate to a period or a condition? Is such a statement valid considering that the same is left to the will of the debtor?

A: GR: Impossible conditions annul the obligation which depends upon the parties but not of a third person. XPNs: PD-DoNT. 1. Pre-existing obligation 2. Obligation is Divisible 3. In simple or remuneratory Donations 4. In case of conditions Not to do an impossible thing 5. In Testamentary dispositions

A: When the debtor binds himself to pay when his means permit him to do so, the obligation is deemed with a period. (Art. 1180) This is valid because it is not the payment itself that is dependent upon the will of the debtor, but the moment of payment.

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CIVIL LAW 2. As the time of payment is not fixed, the court must fix the same before any action for collection may be entertained, unless, the prior action of fixing the term or period will only be a formality and will serve no purpose but delay (Tiglao v. Manila Railroad Co., 98 Phil. 181).

3.

Q: For whose benefit is the period constituted?

4.

A: GR: Whenever in an obligation a period is designated, it is presumed to have been established for the benefit of both the creditor and the debtor

5.

When he does not furnish to the creditor the Guaranties or securities which he has promised; When by his own acts he has Impaired said guaranties or securities after their establishment, and when through a fortuitous event they disappear, unless he immediately gives new ones or equally satisfactory; When the debtor Violates any undertaking, in consideration of which the creditor agreed to the period; When the debtor attempts to Abscond. (Art. 1198)

XPN: When it appears from the tenor of the period or other circumstances that it was established for the benefit of one of the parties.

Note: In case of loss, deterioration or improvement of the thing before the arrival of the day certain, rules in conditional obligation shall be observed.

Q: What is the effect of the term being for the benefit of either the CR or the DR?

Q: What must a creditor ask the court before he can demand payment?

A: 1.

A: If the time of payment is not fixed, the court must fix the same before any action for collection may be entertained, unless, the prior action of fixing the term or period will be a formality and will serve no purpose but delay.

2.

When it is for the benefit of the Creditor – Creditor may demand the performance of the obligation at any time but the DR cannot compel him to accept payment before the expiration of the period (e.g. “on demand”)

ALTERNATIVE OBLIGATION / FACULTATIVE OBLIGATION

When it is for the benefit of the Debtor – Debtor may oppose any premature demand on the part of the CR for performance of the obligation, or if he so desires, he may renounce the benefit of the period by performing his obligation in advance. (Manresa)

Q: What is an alternative obligation? A: It is one where the debtor is alternatively bound by different prestations but the complete performance of one of them is sufficient to extinguish the obligation.

Q: What is the effect of a fortuitous event in an obligation with a period?

Q: What is a facultative obligation?

A: It only relieves the contracting parties from the fulfillment of their respective obligation during the term or period. Q: When may the court fix the period?

A: It is one where the debtor is bound to perform one prestation or to deliver one thing with a reserved right to choose another prestation or thing as substitute for the principal.

A:

Q: Distinguish facultative from alternative obligations 1.

2. 3. 4.

If the obligation does not fix a period, but from its nature and circumstances it can be inferred that a period was intended by the parties. If the duration of the period depends upon the will of the debtor. In case of reciprocal obligations, when there is a just cause for fixing the period. If the debtor binds himself when his means permit him to do so.

A: FACULTATIVE ALTERNATIVE OBLIGATIONS OBLIGATIONS Number of prestation Only one object is due Several objects are due Manner of compliance May be complied with May be complied with by substitution of one by fulfilling any of those that is due alternately due Right to choice GR: Choice pertain to debtor Choice pertains only to debtor XPN: Expressly granted to creditor or third person Effect of fortuitous loss Fortuitous loss Fortuitous loss of all extinguishes the prestation will extinguish obligation the obligation

Note: Once fixed by the courts, the period cannot be changed by the parties.

Q: When may a debtor lose his right to make use of the period? A: IGIVA 1. When after the obligation has been contracted he becomes Insolvent, unless he gives a guaranty or security for the debt;


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OBLIGATIONS Q: In alternative obligations, when does the choice made take effect?

Effect of culpable loss Culpable loss obliges the debtor to deliver Culpable loss of substitute prestation any object due will give without liability to rise to liability to debtor debtor Liability of the debtor The creditor shall have the right of indemnity Substitution has been for damages when, made and through the fault of the communicated to the debtor, all the things creditor, the obligor is which are alternatively liable for the loss of the the object of the thing on account of obligation have been lost delay, negligence or or the compliance of the fraud obligation has become impossible. Void prestation If principal obligation is If one prestation is void, void, the creditor cannot the others free from compel delivery of the vices preserve the substitute validity of the obligation Impossibility of prestation If various prestations are If there is impossibility to impossible to perform deliver the principal except one, this one thing or prestation, the must be delivered. obligation is If all prestations are extinguished, even if the impossible to perform, substitute obligation is the obligation is valid extinguished Loss of substitute Where the choice is Loss of substitute before given to the creditor, the the substitution through loss of the alternative the fault of the debtor through the fault of the doesn’t make him liable debtor renders him liable for damages

A: The choice made takes effect only upon communication of the choice to the other party and from such time the obligation ceases to be alternative (Art. 1201; Art. 1205). Note: The notice of selection or choice may be in any form provided it is sufficient to make the other party know that the election has been made (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, 2002 ed, p. 205).

Q: When will alternative obligation become a simple obligation? A: 1. 2.

3.

When the debtor has communicated the choice to the creditor. When debtor lose the right to choice among the prestations whereby the debtor is alternatively bound, only one is practicable (Art. 1202). When the choice has been expressly given to the creditor and his choice has been communicated to the debtor.

Q: Does the choice made by the DR require the concurrence of the CR? What happens when through the CR’s fault, selection is deemed impossible? A: No. To hold otherwise would destroy the very nature of the right to select given to the DR. Once a choice is made, it can no longer be renounced and the parties are bound thereto. When choice is rendered impossible through the CR’s fault, the DR may bring an action to rescind the contract with damages (Art. 1203). Q: What are the effects of loss of objects in alternative obligations?

Q: In alternative obligation, who has the right to choose prestation?

A:

A: GR: The right of choice belongs to the debtor XPN: unless it has been expressly given to the creditor (Art. 1200). All are lost

Q: What are the limitations on debtor’s right to choose? A: 1.

2.

3.

The debtor must absolutely perform the prestation chosen. He cannot compel the creditor to receive part of one and part of the other undertaking. The debtor shall have no right to choose those prestation which are impossible, unlawful or which could not have been the object of the obligation (Art. 1200). The debtor shall lose the right to choice when among the prestation whereby he is alternatively bound, only one is practicable (Art. 1202).

Some but not all are lost Only one remains All are

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DUE TO FORTUITOUS DUE TO DEBTOR’S FAULT EVENT Choice Belongs to Debtor CR shall have a right to indemnify for damages based on the value of the DR released from last thing which the obligation disappeared/service which become impossible DR shall deliver that DR shall deliver that which he shall choose which he shall from among the choose from among remainder without the remainder damages Deliver that which remains Choice Belongs to Creditor DR released from CR may claim the UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW lost

the obligation

Some but not all are lost

CR may choose from among the remainder or that which remains if only one subsists

Only one remains

Deliver that which remains. In case of fault of DR, CR has a right to indemnity for damages

Q: What is the rule as regards the joint or solidary character of an obligation?

price/value of any of them with indemnity for damages CR may claim any of those subsisting OR he may choose any of those were lost, but it is the price/value of with right to damages that can be claimed

A: GR: When two or more creditors or two or more debtors concur in one and the same obligation, the presumption is that the obligation is joint. XPNs: The obligation shall be solidary when: ELN-CJ 1. Expressly stipulated that there is solidarity; 2. Law requires solidarity; 3. Nature of the obligation requires solidarity; 4. Charge or condition is imposed upon heirs or legatees and the will expressly makes the charge or condition in solidum (Manresa); or

JOINT AND SOLIDARY OBLIGATIONS 5. Q: What are joint obligations? A: It is one where the credit or debt shall be presumed to be divided into as many equal shares as there are creditors or debtors, the credit or debts being considered distinct from one another (Art. 1208).

Q: Chua bought and imported to the Philippines dicalcium phosphate. When the cargo arrived at the Port of Manila, it was discovered that some were in apparent bad condition. Thus, Chua filed with Smith, Bell, and Co., Inc., the claim agent of First Insurance Co., a formal statement of claim for the loss. No settlement of the claim having been made, Chua then filed an action. Is Smith, Bell, and Co., solidarily liable upon a marine insurance policy with its disclosed foreign principal?

It is where each debtor is liable only for a proportionate part of the debt and each creditor is entitled only to a proportionate part of the credit. Q: What are solidary obligations?

A: No. Article 1207 of the Civil Code clearly provides that "there is a solidary liability only when the obligation expressly so states, or when the law or the nature of the obligation requires solidarity." The well-entrenched rule is that solidary obligation cannot lightly be inferred. It must be positively and clearly expressed (Smith, Bell & Co., Inc. v. CA, G.R. No. 110668, Feb. 6, 1997).

A: It is where each of the debtors obliges to pay the entire obligation, and where each one of the creditors has the right to demand from any of the debtors, the payment or fulfillment of the entire obligation (Art. 1207; Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 139). Q: Distinguish joint from solidary obligation

Q: The labor arbiter rendered a decision, the fallo of which states the following respondents as liable, namely: FCMC, Sicat, Gonzales, Chiu Chin Gin, Lo Kuan Chin, and INIMACO. INIMACO questions the execution, alleging that the alias writ of execution altered and changed the tenor of the decision by changing their liability from joint to solidary, by the insertion of the words "AND/OR". Is the liability of INIMACO pursuant to the decision of the labor arbiter solidary or not?

A: JOINT OBLIGATION

Presumed by law (Art. 1208)

SOLIDARY OBLIGATION Not presumed. Must be expressly stipulated by the parties, or when the law or the nature of the obligation requires solidarity. (Art. 1207)

Each debtor is liable only for a proportionate part of the entire debt

Each debtor is obliged to pay the entire obligation

Each creditor, if there are several, is entitled only to a proportionate part of the credit

Each creditor has the right to demand from any of the debtors, the payment or fulfillment of the entire obligation (Tolentino, Civil CodeVol IV, 1999 ed. p. 217)


Solidary responsibility is imputed by a final Judgment upon several defendants (Gutierrez v. Gutierrez, 56 Phil 177).

A: INIMACO's liability is not solidary but merely joint. Wellentrenched is the rule that solidary obligation cannot lightly be inferred. There is a solidary liability only when the obligation expressly so states, when the law so provides or when the nature of the obligation so requires. In the dispositive portion of the labor arbiter, the word "solidary" does not appear. The said fallo expressly states the following respondents therein as liable, namely: Filipinas Carbon Mining Corporation, Sicat, Gonzales, Chiu Chin Gin, Lo Kuan Chin, and INIMACO. Nor can it be inferred therefrom that the liability of the six respondents in the case below is solidary, thus their liability should merely be joint (INIMACO v. NLRC, G.R. No. 101723, May 11, 2000).

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OBLIGATIONS Q: What are the legal consequences if the obligation is joint? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

Q: What are the rules in a solidary obligation? A: 1.

Each debtor is liable only for a proportionate part of the entire debt Each creditor, if there are several, is entitled only to a proportionate part of the credit The demand made by one creditor upon one debtor, produces effects of default only as between them Interruption of prescription caused by the demand made by one creditor upon one debtor, will NOT benefit the co-creditors or the co-debtors Insolvency of a debtor will not increase the liability of his co-debtor Vices of each obligation emanating from a particular debtor or creditor will not affect the others In indivisible or joint obligation, the defense of res judicata of one does not extend to the others.

Anyone of the solidary creditors may collect or demand payment of the whole obligation; there is mutual agency among solidary debtors (Arts. 1214, 1215)

2.

Any of the solidary debtor may be required to pay the whole obligation; there is mutual guaranty among solidary debtors (Arts. 1216, 1217, 1222)

3.

Each one of solidary creditors may do whatever maybe useful to the others, but not anything prejudicial to them (Art. 1212); however, any novation, compensation, confusion or remission of debt made by any solidary creditors or with any of the solidary debtors shall extinguish the obligation without prejudice to his liability for the shares of other solidary creditors (Art. 1215; Art.1219).

JOINT INDIVISIBLE OBLIGATIONS Q: Joey, Jovy and Jojo are solidary debtors under a loan obligation of P300,000.00 which has fallen due. The creditor has, however, condoned Jojo's entire share in the debt. Since Jovy has become insolvent, the creditor makes a demand on Joey to pay the debt. 1. How much, if any, may Joey be compelled to pay? 2. To what extent, if at all, can Jojo be compelled by Joey to contribute to such payment? (1998 Bar Question)

Q: What are the different permutations of joint indivisible obligations? What are their effects? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

If there are two or more debtors, compliance with the obligation requires the concurrence of all the debtors, although each for his own share. The obligation can be enforced only by preceding against all of the debtors. If there are two or more creditors, the concurrence or collective act of all the creditors, although each of his own share, is also necessary for the enforcement of the obligation. Each credit is distinct from one another; therefore a joint debtor cannot be required to pay for the share of another with debtor, although he may pay if he wants to. In case of insolvency of one of the debtors, the others shall not be liable for his shares. To hold otherwise would destroy the joint character of the obligation (Art. 1209).

A: 1.

2.

Q: What is the effect of breach of a joint indivisible obligation by one debtor?

Joey can be compelled to pay only the remaining balance of P200, 000, in view of the remission of Jojo’s share by the creditor. (Art. 1219) Jojo can be compelled by Joey to contribute P50,000. When one of the solidary debtors cannot, because of his insolvency, reimburse his share to the debtor paying the obligation, such share shall be borne by all his co-debtors, in proportion to the debt of each (par. 3, Art. 1217). Since the insolvent debtor's share which Joey paid was P100, 000, and there are only two remaining debtors namely Joey and Jojo - these two shall share equally the burden of reimbursement. Jojo may thus be compelled by Joey to contribute P50, 000.

A: If one of the joint debtors fails to comply with his undertaking, the obligation can no longer be fulfilled or performed. It is converted into one of indemnity for damages. Innocent joint debtor shall not contribute to the indemnity beyond their corresponding share of the obligation.

Q: What are the kinds of solidary obligation?

Q: What is the effect of solidary obligation?

A: 1. 2. 3.

A: Each one of the debtors is obliged to pay the entire obligation, and each one of the creditors has the right to demand from any of the debtors the payment or fulfillment of the entire obligation.

Note: example of words that connote solidary obligation: a) joint and several; b) in solidum; c) individually and collectively; d) each will pay the whole value; e) “I promise to pay” and there are two or more signatures

SOLIDARY OBLIGATIONS

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Passive – solidarity on the part of the debtors Active – solidarity on the part of the creditors Mixed – solidarity on both sides


CIVIL LAW Q: Distinguish solidarity from indivisibility

DIVISIBLE AND INDIVISIBLE OBLIGATIONS

A: SOLIDARITY Refers to the vinculum existing between the subjects or parties Requires the plurality of parties or subjects In case of breach, the liability of the solidary debtors although converted into one of the indemnity for damages remains solidary Death of solidary debtor terminates the solidarity, the tie or vinculum being intransmissible to the heirs

Q: What is the primary distinction between divisible and indivisible obligations?

INDIVISIBILITY Refers to the prestation or object of the contract

A:

Does not require plurality of subjects or parties In case of breach, it is converted to one of indemnity for damages and the indivisibility of the obligation is terminated and so each debtor is liable only for his part of the indemnity

DIVISIBLE

INDIVISIBLE

Susceptibility of an obligation to be performed partially

Non-susceptibility to be performed partially Partial performance is tantamount to nonperformance

Q: What is the true test in determining divisibility? A: Whether or not the prestation is susceptible of partial performance, not in the sense of performance in separate or divided parts, but in the sense of the possibility of realizing the purpose which the obligation seeks to obtain. If a thing could be divided into parts and as divided, its value is impaired disproportionately, that thing is indivisible (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 174).

Heirs of the debtor remain bound to perform the same prestation

Q: What are the obligations that are deemed indivisible and obligations that are deemed divisible:

Q: In cases of solidary creditors, may one act for all? What are the limitations?

A: 1.

A: Yes. However, while each one of the solidary creditors may execute acts which may be useful or beneficial to the others, he may not do anything which may be prejudicial to them (Art. 1212).

c.

Note: Prejudicial acts may still have valid legal effects, but the performing creditor shall be liable to his co-creditors (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 157).

Even the object or service may be physically divisible, an obligation is indivisible if so provided (i) by law or (i) intended by the parties. (Art. 1225)

A pledge or mortgage is one and indivisible by provision of law, and the rules applies even if the obligation is joint and not solidary (Art. 2089).

Q: What are the effects of assignment of rights in a solidary obligation? A: GR: Solidary creditor cannot assign his right because it is predicated upon mutual confidence, meaning personal qualification of each creditor had been taken into consideration when the obligation was constituted (Art. 1213).

Note: A joint obligation gives rise to indemnity for damages from the time anyone of the debtors does not comply with his undertaking. The debtors who may have been ready to fulfill their promises shall not contribute to the indemnity beyond the corresponding portion of the price of the thing or of the value of the service in which the obligation consists (Art. 1224).

XPNs: 1. Assignment to co-creditor; or 2. Assignment is with consent of co-creditor.

2.

Q: To whom must payment be made in a solidary obligation? A: GR: To any of the solidary creditors. XPN: If demand, judicial or extra-judicial, has been made by one of them, payment should be made to him. (Art. 1214)


Obligations that are deemed indivisible: a. Obligations to give definite things b. Those which are not susceptible of partial performance

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Obligations that are deemed divisible: a. When the object of the obligation involves: i. certain number of days of work; ii. accomplishment of work by metrical unit; iii. Analogous things which are by their nature susceptible of partial performance (Art. 1225)

OBLIGATIONS Q: What is the effect of illegality of a part of a contract? A: 1.

2.

3.

Note: The nullity of the penal clause does not carry with it that of the principal obligation.

Divisible contract – illegal part is void and unenforceable. Legal part is valid and enforceable. (Art. 1420) Indivisible contract – entire contract is indivisible and unenforceable.

The nullity of the principal obligation carries with it that of the penal clause. (Art. 1230)

Q: When may penalty be reduced by the courts?

Q: What is the effect of partial performance in indivisible obligation?

A: PIU 1. 2. 3.

A: It is tantamount to non-performance. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 179) OBLIGATIONS WITH A PENAL CLAUSE

Q: What are the modes of extinguishment of an obligation?

A: It is an accessory obligation or undertaking attached to the principal obligation to assure greater responsibility in case of breach.

A: Principal Modes: PaLoCo₃N 1. Payment or performance 2. Loss of the thing due 3. Condonation or remission of debt 4. Confusion or merger 5. Compensation 6. Novation (Art. 1231)

Note: Proof of actual damages suffered by the creditor is not necessary in order that the penalty may be demanded (Art. 1228).

Q: Can the debtor just choose penalty over nonfulfillment? A: GR: No. The debtor cannot exempt himself from the performance of the obligation by paying the penalty (Art. 1227).

Other Modes: ARFP 7. Annulment 8. Rescission 9. Fulfillment of a resolutory condition 10. Prescription (Art. 1231)

XPN: Yes, when the right has been expressly reserved to the debtor (Art. 1227). Q: Can the creditor demand both the fulfillment of the principal obligation and the penalty?

Note: The enumeration is not exclusive.

Q: If the parties mutually disagree as regards the obligation, may it be cancelled?

A: GR: No. The creditor cannot demand the fulfillment of the obligation and the satisfaction of the penalty at the same time (Art. 1227).

A: Yes. That is in the nature of “mutual desistance” – which is a mode of extinguishing obligations. It is a concept that derives from the principle that since mutual agreement can create a contract, mutual disagreement by the parties can cause its extinguishment (Saura v. Development Bank of the Phils., G.R. No. 24968, Apr. 27, 1972).

XPNs:

2.

Partial performance of the obligation Irregular performance of the obligation Penalty is Unconscionable even if there has been no performance. EXTINGUISHMENT OF OBLIGATIONS

Q: What is a penal clause?

1.

the debtor is Guilty of fraud in the fulfillment of the obligation. (Art. 1126)

When the right has been clearly granted to him; If the creditor has decided to require the fulfillment of the obligation, the performance thereof should become impossible without his fault, the penalty may be enforced. (Art. 1227)

PAYMENT OR PERFORMANCE Q: Is the term “payment,” as used in the Code, limited to appreciable sums of money?

Q: What is the effect of incorporating a penal clause in an obligation?

A: No. Payment may consist not only in the delivery of money but also the giving of a thing (other than money), the doing of an act, or not doing of an act.

A: GR: The penalty fixed by the parties is a compensation or substitute for damages in case of breach.

Note: Payment means not only the delivery of money but also the performance, in any other manner, of an obligation. (Art. 1232)

XPNs: Damages shall still be paid even if there is a penal clause if: SRG 1. there is a Stipulation to the contrary 2. the debtor Refuses to pay the agreed penalty

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CIVIL LAW Note: Payment made by a third person who does not intend to be reimbursed by the debtor is deemed to be a donation, which requires the debtor's consent. But the payment is in any case valid as to the creditor who has accepted it (Art. 1238)

Q: State the requisites of a valid payment A: CCPAD 1. Capacity of the payor 2. Capacity of the payee 3. Propriety of the time, place, and manner of payment 4. Acceptance by the creditor 5. Delivery of the full amount or the full performance of the prestation

Q: What are the characteristics of payment? A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: What is tender of payment?

Q: How should performance be made (integrity)?

A: Tender of payment is the definitive act of offering the creditor what is due him or her, together with the demand that the creditor accept the same.

A: GR: Performance should always be in full. (Art. 1233) XPNs: 1. Substantial performance performed in good faith (Art. 1234) 2. When the obligee accepts the performance, knowing its incompleteness or irregularity and without expressing any protest or objection (Art. 1235) 3. Debt is partly liquidated and partly unliquidated, but the liquidated part of the debt must be paid in full.

Note: There must be a fusion of intent, ability and capability to make good such offer, which must be absolute and must cover the amount due (FEBTC v. Diaz Realty Inc., G.R. No. 138588, Aug. 23, 2001). Note: The legal tender covers all notes and coins issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and guaranteed by the Republic of the Philippines. The amount of coins that may be accepted as legal tender are: a. 1-Peso, 5-Pesos, 10-Pesos coins in amount not exceeding P1,000.00 b. 25 centavos or less – in amount not exceeding P100.00 (BSP Circular No. 537, Series of 2006, July 18, 2005).

Q: What should be given as payment of an obligation (identity)? A: GR: Thing paid must be the very thing due and cannot be another thing even if of the same or more quality and value.

Q: What is the rule on tender payment as to check? A: A check does not constitute a legal tender, and that a creditor may validly refuse it. However, this does not prevent a creditor from accepting a check as payment – the creditor has the option and the discretion of refusing or accepting it (Far East Bank & Trust Company vs. Diaz Realty, Inc, G.R. No. 138588, 2001)

XPNs: 1. Dation in payment 2. Novation of the obligation 3. Obligation is facultative Note: In an obligation to do or not to do, an act or forbearance cannot be substituted by another act or forbearance against the obligee’s (CR) will.

Q: Is the creditor bound to accept payment or performance by a third person?

Q: Can the debtor or creditor be compelled to perform/accept partial prestations (indivisibility)?

A: GR: No, the creditor is not bound. XPNs: 1. When made by a third person who has interest in the fulfillment of the obligation 2. Contrary stipulation (Art. 1236)

A: GR: Debtor cannot be compelled by the creditor to perform obligation in parts and neither can the debtor compel the creditor to accept obligation in parts. XPNs: When: 1. partial performance has been agreed upon 2. part of the obligation is liquidated and part is unliquidated 3. to require the debtor to perform in full is impractical

Q: What are the rights of a third person who paid the debt? A: 1.

2.

With knowledge and consent of the debtor: a. can recover entire amount paid (absolute reimbursement) b. can be subrogated to all rights of the creditor. Without knowledge or against the will of the debtor – can recover only insofar as payment has been beneficial to the debtor (right of conditional reimbursement)


Integrity Identity Indivisibility

Q: Is the acceptance by a creditor of a partial payment an abandonment of its demand for full payment? A: No. When creditors receive partial payment, they are not ipso facto deemed to have abandoned their prior demand for full payment.

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OBLIGATIONS To imply that creditors accept partial payment as complete performance of their obligation, their acceptance must be made under circumstances that indicate their intention to consider the performance complete and to renounce their claim arising from the defect.

SPECIAL FORMS OF PAYMENT Q: What are the special forms of payment? A: Dation in Payment Alienation by the debtor of a particular property in favor of his creditor, with the latter’s consent, for the satisfaction of the former’s money obligation to the latter, with the effect of extinguishing the said money obligation (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 212) Application of Payment Designation of the particular debt being paid by the debtor who has two or more debts or obligations of the same kind in favor of the same creditor to whom the payment is made (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 229) Payment by Cession Debtor cedes his property to his creditors so the latter may sell the same and the proceeds realized applied to the debts of the debtor (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 238) Tender of Payment Voluntary act of the debtor whereby he offers to the creditor for acceptance the immediate performance of the former’s obligation to the latter (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 241) Consignation Act of depositing the object of the obligation with the court or competent authority after the CR has unjustifiably refused to accept the same or is not in a position to accept it due to certain reasons or circumstances (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 241)

Note: While Article 1248 of the Civil Code states that creditors cannot be compelled to accept partial payments, it does not prohibit them from accepting such payments (Selegna Management and Development Corp. v. UCPB, G.R. No. 165662, May 30, 2006).

Q: To whom should payment be made? A: Payment shall be made to: 1. the person in whose favor the obligation has been constituted 2. his successor in interest, or 3. any person authorized to receive it. (Art. 1240) Q: Is payment to an unauthorized person a valid payment? A: GR: Payment to an unauthorized person is not a valid payment. (Art. 1241) XPNs: 1. Payment to an incapacitated person if: a. he kept the thing delivered, or b. it has been beneficial to him (Art. 1241) 2.

Payment to a third person insofar as it redounded to the benefit of the creditor Benefit to the creditor need not be proved: RRE a. If after the payment, the third person acquires the creditor’s Rights; b. If the creditor Ratifies the payment to the third person; c. If by the creditor’s conduct, the debtor has been led to believe that the third person had authority to receive the payment (Estoppel) (Art. 1241)

3.

DATION IN PAYMENT Q: What does dation in payment or dacion en pago entail? A: Dacion en pago is the delivery and transmission of ownership of a thing by the debtor to the creditor as an accepted equivalent of the performance of the obligation. The property given may consist not only of a thing but also of a real right (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 2002 ed, p. 293).

Payment in good faith to the possessor of credit (Art. 1242)

Note: The undertaking partakes of the nature of sale, that is, the creditor is really buying the thing or property of the debtor, payment for which is to be charged against the debtor’s debt. As such, the essential elements of a contract of sale, namely, consent, object certain, and cause or consideration must be present.

Note: Payment made to the creditor by the debtor after the latter has been judicially ordered to retain the debt shall not be valid (Art. 1243).

Q: Is consent of the debtor necessary when the third person does not intend to be reimbursed?

Q: What are the elements of dation in payment?

A: Yes. Payment made by a third person who does not intend to be reimbursed by the debtor is deemed to be a donation which requires the debtor’s consent. But the payment is in any case valid as to the creditor who has accepted it (Art. 1238).

A: 1. 2. 3.

Existence of a money obligation Alienation to the creditor of a property by the debtor with the consent of the former Satisfaction of the money obligation of the debtor

Q: Lopez obtained a loan in the amount of P20, 000.00 from the Prudential Bank. He executed a surety bond in which he, as principal, and PHILAMGEN as surety, bound themselves jointly and severally for the payment of the sum. He also executed a deed of assignment of 4,000

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CIVIL LAW shares of the Baguio Military Institution in favor of PHILAMGEN. Is the stock assignment made by Lopez dation in payment or pledge?

extinguishing the obligation; the delivery and transmission of ownership of a thing (in this case, the credit due from a third person) by the debtor to the creditor is accepted as the equivalent of the performance of the obligation.

A: The stock assignment constitutes a pledge and not a dacion en pago. Dation in payment is the delivery and transmission of ownership of a thing by the debtor to the creditor as an accepted equivalent of the performance of the obligation. Lopez’s loan has not yet matured when he "alienated" his 4,000 shares of stock to Philamgen. Lopez's obligation would arise only when he would default in the payment of the principal obligation which is the loan and Philamgen had to pay for it. Since it is contrary to the nature and concept of dation in payment, the same could not have been constituted when the stock assignment was executed. In case of doubt as to whether a transaction is a pledge or a dation in payment, the presumption is in favor of pledge, the latter being the lesser transmission of rights and interests (Lopez v. CA, G.R. No. L-33157, June 29, 1982).

The terms of the compromise judgment of the parties, however, did not convey an intent to equate the assignment of Magdalena’s retirement benefits as the equivalent of the payment of the debt due the spouses Serfino. There was actually no assignment of credit; if at all, the compromise judgment merely identified the fund from which payment for the judgment debt would be sourced. Only when Magdalena has received and turned over to the spouses Serfino the portion of her retirement benefits corresponding to the debt due would the debt be deemed paid. Since no valid assignment of credit took place, the spouses Serfino cannot validly claim ownership of the retirement benefits that were deposited with FEBTC. Without ownership rights over the amount, they suffered no pecuniary loss that has to be compensated by actual damages. (Sps. Godfrey and Gerardina Serfino vs. Far East Bank and Trust Company, Inc., now Bank of the Philippine Islands, G.R. No. 171845, October 10, 2012)

Q: Cebu Asiancars Inc., with the conformity of the lessor, used the leased premises as a collateral to secure payment of a loan which Asiancars may obtain from any bank, provided that the proceeds of the loan shall be used solely for the construction of a building which, upon the termination of the lease or the voluntary surrender of the leased premises before the expiration of the contract, shall automatically become the property of the lessor. Meeting financial difficulties and incurring an outstanding balance on the loan, Asiancars conveyed ownership of the building on the leased premises to MBTC, by way of "dacion en pago."Is the dacion en pago by Asiancars in favor of MBTC valid?

FORM OF PAYMENT Q: What are the rules as regards payment in monetary obligations? A:

A: Yes. MBTC was a purchaser in good faith. MBTC had no knowledge of the stipulation in the lease contract. Although the same lease was registered and duly annotated, MBTC was charged with constructive knowledge only of the fact of lease of the land and not of the specific provision stipulating transfer of ownership of the building to the Jaymes upon termination of the lease. While the alienation was in violation of the stipulation in the lease contract between the Jaymes and Asiancars, MBTC’s own rights could not be prejudiced by Asiancars’ actions unknown to MBTC. Thus, the transfer of the building in favor of MBTC was valid and binding (Jayme v. CA, G.R. No. 128669, Oct. 4, 2002).

Payment in cash– all monetary obligations shall be settled in the Philippine currency which is legal tender in the Philippines. However, the parties may agree that the obligations or transactions shall be settled in any other currency at the time of payment (Sec. 1, R.A. 8183).

2.

Payment in check or other negotiable instrument – not considered payment, they are not considered legal tender and may be refused by the creditor except when: a. the document has been cashed; or b. it had been impaired through the fault of the creditor. PAYMENT IN CASH

Q: Northwest Airlines, through its Japan Branch, entered into an International Passenger Sales Agency Agreement with CF Sharp, authorizing the latter to sell its air transport tickets. CF Sharp failed to remit the proceeds of the ticket sales, thus, Northwest Airlines filed a collection suit before the Tokyo District Court which rendered judgment ordering CF Sharp to pay 83,158,195 Yen and damages for the delay at the rate of 6% per annum. Unable to execute the decision in Japan, Northwest Airlines filed a case to enforce said foreign judgment with the RTC of Manila. What is the rate of exchange that should be applied for the payment of the amount?

Q: Can an assignment of credit constitute dation in payment? A: An assignment of credit is an agreement by virtue of which the owner of a credit, known as the assignor, by a legal cause, such as sale, dation in payment, exchange or donation, and without the consent of the debtor, transfers his credit and accessory rights to another, known as the assignee, who acquires the power to enforce it to the same extent as the assignor could enforce it against the debtor. It may be in the form of sale, but at times it may constitute a dation in payment, such as when a debtor, in order to obtain a release from his debt, assigns to his creditor a credit he has against a third person. As a dation in payment, the assignment of credit operates as a mode of UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

1.

A: The repeal of R.A. 529 by R.A. 8183 has the effect of removing the prohibition on the stipulation of currency other than Philippine currency, such that obligations or

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OBLIGATIONS transactions may now be paid in the currency agreed upon by the parties. Just like R.A. 529, however, the new law does not provide for the applicable rate of exchange for the conversion of foreign currency-incurred obligations in their peso equivalent. It follows, therefore, that the jurisprudence established in R.A. 529 regarding the rate of conversion remains applicable. Thus, in Asia World Recruitment, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Commission, the SC, applying R.A. 8183, sustained the ruling of the NLRC that obligations in foreign currency may be discharged in Philippine currency based on the prevailing rate at the time of payment. It is just and fair to preserve the real value of the foreign exchange- incurred obligation to the date of its payment.

Q: Are receipts the only evidence that can be presented to prove payment? A: No. Receipts of payment, although not exclusive, are deemed the best evidence of the fact of payment (Dela Peña and Villareal v. CA and Rural Bank of Bolinao, Inc., G.R. No. 177828, Feb. 13, 2009). EXTRAORDINARY INFALTION OR DEFLATION Q: What is the rule in payment in case of an extraordinary inflation or deflation? A: In case an extraordinary inflation or deflation of the currency stipulated should supervene, the value of the currency at the time of the establishment of the obligation shall be the basis of payment, unless there is an agreement to the contrary (Art. 1250).

Q: If the rate of interest is not stipulated, what should be the rate of interest that should apply? When should the interest begin to run?

Note: It applies only to contractual obligations, it cannot be applied to obligations arising from torts.

A: In Eastern Shipping Lines, Inc. v. CA, it was held that absent any stipulation, the legal rate of interest in obligations which consists in the payment of a sum of money is 12% per annum to be reckoned from the time of filing of the complaint therein until the said foreign judgment is fully satisfied (C.F. Sharp & Co., Inc. v. Northwest Airlines, Inc., G.R. No. 133498, Apr. 18, 2002).

Q: Does the exchange rate at the time of the establishment of the obligation apply in all cases? A: No. The rule that the value of the currency at the time of the establishment of the obligation shall be the basis of payment finds application only when there is an official pronouncement or declaration of the existence of an extraordinary inflation or deflation.

PAYMENT BY NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT Q: Diaz & Company obtained a loan from Pacific Banking Corp which was secured by a real estate mortgage over two parcels of land owned by the plaintiff Diaz Realty. ABC rented an office space in the building constructed on the properties covered by the mortgage contract. The parties then agreed that the monthly rentals shall be paid directly to the mortgagee for the lessor's account, either to partly or fully pay off the aforesaid mortgage indebtedness. Thereafter, FEBTC purchased the credit of Diaz & Company in favor of PaBC, but it was only after 2 years that Diaz was informed about it. Diaz asked the FEBTC to make an accounting of the monthly rental payments made by Allied Bank. Diaz tendered to FEBTC the amount of P1,450,000.00 through an Interbank check, in order to prevent the imposition of additional interests, penalties and surcharges on its loan but FEBTC did not accept it as payment, instead, Diaz was asked to deposit the amount with the FEBTC’s Davao City Branch Office. Was there a valid tender of payment? A: Yes. True, jurisprudence holds that, in general, a check does not constitute legal tender, and that a creditor may validly refuse it. It must be emphasized, however, that this dictum does not prevent a creditor from accepting a check as payment. In other words, the creditor has the option and the discretion of refusing or accepting it (FEBTC v. Diaz Realty Inc., G.R. No. 138588, Aug. 23, 2001).

APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS Q: What does the concept of application of payments mean? A: It is the designation of the debt to which the payment must be applied when the debtor has several obligations of the same kind in favor of the same creditor (Art. 1252). Q: What are the requisites of application of payments? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

There is only one debtor and creditor The debtor owes the creditor two or more debts which are of the same kind or identical All debts are due and demandable The payment made by the debtor is not sufficient to cover or settle all debts (Pineda. Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 251)

Q: What is the governing rule in case the debtor fails to ascertain which debt his payment is to be applied? A: The choice may be transferred to the creditor as when the debtor makes payment and does not make application and debtor accepts a receipt in which the application is made. In such a case, the debtor cannot complain of the application the creditor has made unless there be a cause for invalidating the contract (Art. 1252).

Q: Who has the burden of proving payment in an action for sum of money? A: The party who pleads payment as a defense has the burden of proving that such payment has, in fact, been made.

Note: The debtor has the preferential right to choose which debt of the several debts shall be due (Art. 1252).

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CIVIL LAW Financial condition of the debtor Not necessarily in state of Debtor must be partially or financial difficulty relatively insolvent Object Thing delivered is Universality or property of considered as equivalent of debtor is what is ceded performance Extent of the extinguishment Payment extinguishes Merely releases debtor for obligation to the extent of net proceeds of the value of the thing things ceded or assigned, delivered as agreed upon, unless there is contrary proved or implied from the intention conduct of the creditor Ownership Ownership is transferred to Ownership is not CR upon delivery transferred Novation An act of novation Not an act of novation Presumption of insolvency Does not presuppose Presupposes insolvency insolvency

Q: May application of payments be made even if the debts are not yet due? A: GR: No. All debts must be due and demandable. XPN: 1. The parties so stipulate 2. Application is made by the party whose benefit the term has been constituted (Art.1252) Q: If both the creditor and the debtor fail to apply payments, what rule governs? A: Legal application of payment governs wherein the law makes the application. The payment should be applied to the more onerous debts: 1. When a person is bound as principal in one obligation and as surety in another, the former is more onerous. 2. When there are various debts, the oldest ones are more burdensome. 3. Where one bears interest and the other does not, even if the latter is the older obligation, the former is considered more onerous. 4. Where there is an encumbrance, the debt with a guaranty is more onerous than that without security. 5. With respect to indemnity for damages, the debt which is subject to the general rules on damages is less burdensome than that in which there is a penal clause. 6. The liquidated debt is more burdensome than the unliquidated one. 7. An obligation in which the debtor is in default is more onerous than one in which he is not (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 2002 ed, p. 314-315)

TENDER OF PAYMENT Q: What constitutes a valid tender of payment? A: Voluntary act of the debtor whereby he offers to the creditor for acceptance the immediate performance of the former’s obligation to the latter (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 241). Tender of payment is the manifestation by debtors of their desire to comply with or to pay their obligation (Sps. Benos v. Sps. Lawilao, G.R. No. 172259, Dec. 5, 2006). Note: If the creditor refuses the tender of payment without just cause, the debtors are discharged from the obligation by the consignation of the sum due (Sps. Benos v. Sps. Lawilao, G.R. No. 172259, Dec. 5, 2006).

Note: If the debts happen to be of same nature and burden, the payment shall be applied proportionately.

TENDER OF PAYMENT AND CONSIGNATION

PAYMENT BY CESSION

Q: What is consignation?

Q: What are the circumstances evidencing payment by cession?

A: Act of depositing the object of the obligation with the court or competent authority after the CR has unjustifiably refused to accept the same or is not in a position to accept it due to certain reasons or circumstances (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 241)

A: Debtor abandons all of his property for the benefit of his creditors in order that from the proceeds thereof, the latter may obtain payment of credits.

Q: When and where is consignation made?

Note: It presupposes insolvency of the debtor. All the debtor’s creditors must be involved and the consent of the latter must be obtained.

A: Consignation shall be made by depositing the things due at the disposal of judicial authority, before whom tender of payment shall be proved, in proper case, and the announcement of the consignation in other cases (Art. 1258)

Q: Distinguish dation in payment from payment in cession A:

Note: Once the consignation has been duly made, the debtor may ask the judge to order the cancellation of the obligation. (Art. 1260)

DATION IN PAYMENT PAYMENT IN CESSION Number of creditors Maybe one creditor Plurality of creditors UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

188

OBLIGATIONS Q: What are the requisites of consignation?

extinguish the obligation

A: VP-CPAS 1. Valid existing debt which is already due; 2. Prior valid tender of payment except when prior tender of payment is dispensable 3. Creditor unjustly refuses the tender of payment 4. Prior notice of consignation given to persons interested in the fulfillment of the obligation

Extrajudicial

Q: In an ejectment case, X refused to vacate the land alleging that Y had sold to him the additional area, the payment of which would be effected five years after the execution of a formal deed of sale. However, the parties failed to execute a deed of sale. During the pendency of the action, X deposited the payment for the addition to the lot with the court. Is there a valid consignation?

Note: For reasons of equity, substantial compliance with the requirement of notice is enough (De Mesa v. CA, G.R. Nos. 106467-68, 1999) 5. 6.

obligation when declared valid Character Judicial for it requires the filing of a complaint in court (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 242)

Amount or thing is deposited at the disposal of judicial authority Subsequent notice of the fact of consignation to persons interested in the fulfillment of the obligation.

A: No. Under Art. 1257 of the Civil Code, consignation is proper only in cases where an existing obligation is due. In this case, the contracting parties agreed that full payment of purchase price shall be due and payable within 5 years from the execution of a formal deed of sale. At the time Rodriguez deposited the amount in court, no formal deed of sale had yet been executed by the parties, and, therefore, the 5-year period during which the purchase price should be paid had not commenced. In short, the purchase price was not yet due and payable (Heirs of San Andres v. Rodriguez, G.R. No. 135634, May 31, 2000).

Q: When will consignation produce effects of payment? A: GR: Consignation shall produce effects of payment only if there is a valid tender of payment. XPNs: When: ARTIT 1. Creditor is Absent or unknown, or doesn’t appear at place of payment 2. Creditor Refuses to issue a receipt without just cause 3. Title of the obligation has been lost 4. Creditor is Incapacitated to receive payment at the time it is due 5. Two or more persons claim the right to collect (Art. 1256)

Q: Under a pacto de retro sale, X sold to Y his lot and the building erected thereon. They agreed that half of the consideration shall be paid to the bank to pay off the loan of X. After paying the first installment, Y, instead of paying the loan to the bank, restructured it twice. Eventually, the loan became due and demandable. Thus, X paid the bank. On the same day, Y also went to the bank and offered to pay the loan, but the bank refused to accept the payment.

Note: The expenses of consignation, when properly made, shall be charged against the creditor (Art. 1259).

Y then filed an action for consignation without notifying X. Is there a valid consignation by Y of the balance of the contract price?

Q: Can the debtor withdraw the thing deposited? A: Before the creditor has accepted the consignation, or before a judicial declaration that the consignation has been properly made, the debtor may withdraw the thing or the sum deposited, allowing the obligation to remain in force (Art. 1260).

A: No. Y filed the petition for consignation against the bank without notifying the X, resulting to the former’s failure to prove the payment of the balance of the purchase price and consignation. In fact, even before the filing of the consignation case, Y never notified the X of their offer to pay. (Sps. Benos v. Sps.Lawilao, G.R. No. 172259, Dec. 5, 2006)

Note: If, the consignation having been made, the creditor should authorize the debtor to withdraw the same, he shall lose every preference which he may have over the thing. The co-debtors, guarantors and sureties shall be released. (Art. 1261)

Q: Because of Ligaya’s refusal to accept several tenders of payment and notices of consignation given by OSSA in its desire to comply with its obligation to pay on installments, OSSA brought a complaint for consignation against Ligaya before the RTC. The RTC allowed OSSA, among others, to deposit with it,by way of consignation, all future quarterly installments without need of formal tenders of payment and service of notices of consignation.

Q: Distinguish tender of payment from consignation A: TENDER OF PAYMENT

CONSIGNATION Nature Antecedent of consignation Principal or consummating or preliminary act to act for the extinguishment consignation of the obligation Effect It does not by itself It extinguishes the

Ligaya assails the validity of the consignation on the ground that there was no notice to her regarding OSSA's consignation of the amounts corresponding to certain installments. Is Ligaya correct?

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CIVIL LAW or physically impossible without the fault of the obligor. (Art. 1266)

A: No. The motion and the subsequent court order served on Ligaya in the consignation proceedings sufficiently served as notice to Ligaya of OSSA's willingness to pay the quarterly installments and the consignation of such payments with the court. For reasons of equity, the procedural requirements of consignation are deemed substantially complied with in the present case (De Mesa v. CA, G.R. Nos. 106467-68, Oct. 19, 1999).

Q: Differentiate legal from physical impossibility to perform an obligation to do. A: 1. 2.

LOSS OF THE THING DUE Q: When is a thing considered lost?

Note: The impossibility must be after the constitution of the obligation. If it was before, there is nothing to extinguish.

A: When: DOPE 1. It Disappears in such a way that its existence is unknown; 2. It goes Out of commerce; 3. It Perishes; or 4. Its Existence is unknown or if known, it cannot be recovered.

Q: What is the effect of partial loss? A: 1.

Q: What is the effect of loss of the thing which is the object of the obligation?

2.

A: If the obligation is a: 1. Determinate obligation to give: GR: The obligation is extinguished when the object of the obligation is lost or destroyed. (Art. 1262)

A: GR: It is presumed that loss is due to DR’s fault. XPN: Presumption shall not apply in case loss is due to earthquake, flood, storm or other natural calamity (Art. 1262) XPN to the XPN: Debtor still liable even if loss is due to fortuitous event when: 1. Debtor incurred in delay; or 2. Debtor promised to deliver the thing to two or more persons with different interests (par. 3, Art. 1165) Q: What does rebus sic stantibus mean? A: A principle in international law which means that an agreement is valid only if the same conditions prevailing at time of contracting continue to exist at the time of performance. It is the basis of the principle of unforeseen difficulty of service. (Art. 1267)

Generic obligation to give: GR: The obligation is not extinguished because a generic thing never perishes (genus nun guam perit). (Art. 1263) XPNs: 1. In case of generic obligations whose object is a particular class or group with specific or determinate qualities (delimited generic obligation) 2. In case the generic thing has already been segregated or set aside, in which case, it has become specific.

3.

Note: However, this principle cannot be applied absolutely in contractual relations since parties are presumed to have assumed the risk of unfavorable developments. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 264) Note: Principle of unforeseen events applies when the service has become so difficult as to be manifestly beyond the contemplation of the parties, the obligor may also be released therefrom in whole or in part (Art. 1267).

An obligation to do – the obligation is extinguished when the prestation becomes legally UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Due to the fault or negligence of the debtor – CR has the right to demand the rescission of the obligation or to demand specific performance, plus damages, in either case. Due to fortuitous event: a. Substantial loss – obligation is extinguished. b. Unsubstantial loss – the CR shall deliver the thing promised in its impaired condition. (Art. 1264)

Q: What is the effect when the thing is lost in the possession of the debtor?

XPNs: LAS-CD-PCG a. Law provides otherwise (Art. 1262) b. Nature of the obligation requires the Assumption of risk (Ibid) c. Stipulation to the contrary (Ibid) d. Debtor Contributed to the loss (Ibid) e. Loss the of the thing occurs after the debtor incurred in Delay (Ibid) f. When debtor Promised to deliver the same thing to two or more persons who do not have the same interest (Art. 1165) g. When the debt of a certain and determinate thing proceeds from a Criminal offense (Art. 1268) h. When the obligation is Generic (Art. 1263) 2.

Legal impossibility – act stipulated to be performed is subsequently prohibited by law. Physical impossibility – act stipulated could not be physically performed by the obligor due to reasons subsequent to the execution of the contract. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 261)

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OBLIGATIONS Q: What are the requisites in order to relieve the debtor from his obligation, in whole or in part, based on unforeseen difficulty of service? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Note: Whenever the private document in which the debt appears is found in the possession of the debtor, it shall be presumed that the creditor delivered it voluntarily, unless the contrary is proved (Art. 1272).

Event or change in circumstance could not have been foreseen at the time of the execution of the contract Such event makes the performance extremely difficult but not impossible The event must not be due to the act of any of the parties The contract is for a future prestation. (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 2002 ed, p. 347)

Q: What is the effect of the remission of the principal debt with respect to the accessory obligation and vice versa? A: The renunciation of the principal debt shall extinguish the accessory but the waiver of the latter shall leave the former in force (Art. 1273). Note: It is presumed that the accessory obligation of pledge has been remitted when the thing pledged, after its delivery to the creditor, is found in the possession of the debtor, or of a third person who owns the thing (Art. 1274).

Q: What is the rule when the debt of a thing certain and determinate proceeds from a criminal offense?

Q: What is the effect of inofficious condonation?

A: GR: Debtor shall not be exempted from the payment of its price, whatever may be the cause for the loss.

A: It may be totally revoked or reduced depending on whether or not it is totally or only partly inofficious. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 268)

XPN: The thing having been offered by debtor to the person who should receive it, the latter refused without justification to accept it. (Art. 1268)

Q: Can there be a unilateral condonation?

Note: Offer referred in Art. 1268 is different from consignation; the former refers to extinguishment of obligation through loss while the latter refers to the payment of the obligation.

A: No. Since it is a donation of an existing credit, considered a property right, in favor of the debtor, it is required that the DR gives his consent thereto by making an acceptance. If there is no acceptance, there is no condonation (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 267).

CONDONATION OR REMISSION OF DEBT Q: What is condonation?

CONFUSION OR MERGER OF RIGHTS

A: It is an act of liberality by virtue of which the creditor, without receiving any price or equivalent, renounces the enforcement of the obligation, as a result of which it is extinguished in its entirety or in that part or aspect of the same to which the condonation or remission refers (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 267)

Q: What is confusion or merger of rights? A: It is the merging or convergence of the rights of a creditor and debtor in one and the same person with regard to the same obligation. Example of merger: A makes a check payable to bearer, and hands the check to C, who hands it to D who finally hands it to A. Here A owes himself. This is a clear case of merger, and hence the obligation of A is extinguished.

Q: What are the requisites of condonation? A: GAIDE 1. Must be Gratuitous; 2. Acceptance by the debtor; 3. Must not be Inofficious; 4. Formalities provided by law on Donations must be complied with if condonation is express; and 5. An Existing demandable debt.

Q: When is there a confusion or merger of rights? A: The meeting in one person of the qualities of a creditor and debtor of the same obligation. (Sanchez Roman) Q: What are the requisites of confusion or merger of rights?

Q: What is the effect of the delivery of a private document evidencing a credit?

A: A: The delivery of a private document evidencing a credit, made voluntarily by the creditor to the debtor, implies the renunciation of the action which the former had against the latter.

1. 2. 3.

Merger in the same person of the characters of both a creditor and debtor (Art. 1275); Must take place in the persons of a principal creditor and a principal debtor(Art. 1276); and Merger is definite and complete.

If in order to nullify this waiver it should be claimed to be inofficious, the debtor and his heirs may uphold it by proving that the delivery of the document was made in virtue of payment of the debt (Art. 1271).

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CIVIL LAW Q: What is the effect of confusion or merger of rights?

COMPENSATION

A: The creditor and debtor becomes the same person involving the same obligation. Hence, the obligation is extinguished. (Art. 1275)

Q: What is compensation? A: It is a mode of extinguishing obligations that take place when two persons, in their own right, are creditors and debtors of each other (Art. 1278)

Q: Can there be partial confusion?

Note: It is the offsetting of the respective obligation of two persons who stand as principal creditors and debtors of each other, with the effect of extinguishing their obligations to their concurrent amount.

A: Yes. It will be definite and complete up to the extent of the concurrent amount or value, but the remaining obligation subsists (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 278).

Q: What are the requisites of compensation?

Q: What is the effect when confusion or merger is revoked?

A: PriSDue-LiDeCoP 1. Each one of the obligors must be bound Principally, and that he be at the same time a principal creditor of the other except guarantor who may set up compensation as regards what the creditor may owe the principal (Art. 1279, 1280); 2. Both debts consist in sum of money, or if the things due are consumable, they be of the Same kind and also of the same quality if the latter has been stated; 3. Both debts are Due; 4. Both debts are Liquidated and Demandable; 5. Neither debt must be retained in a Controversy commenced by third person and communicated in due time to the debtor (neither debt is garnished) (Art. 1279); and 6. Compensation must not be Prohibited by law. (Art. 1290)

A: If the act which created the confusion is revoked for some causes such as rescission of contracts, or nullity of the will or contract, the confusion or merger is also revoked. The subject obligation is revived in the same condition as it was before the confusion. Note: During such interregnum, the running of the period of prescription of the obligation is suspended (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 279).

Q: What is the effect of confusion or merger in relation to the guarantors? A: 1.

2.

Merger which takes place in the person of the principal debtor or principal creditor benefits the guarantors. The contract of guaranty is extinguished. Confusion which takes place in the person of any of the guarantors does not extinguish the obligation (Art. 1276).

Note: When all the requisites mentioned in Art. 1279 of the Civil Code are present, compensation takes effect by operation of law, and extinguishes both debts to the concurrent amount, even though the creditors and debtors are not aware of the compensation. (Art. 1290)

Q: What is the effect of confusion or merger in one debtor or creditor in a joint obligation? A: GR: Joint obligation is not extinguished since confusion is not definite and complete with regard to the entire obligation. A part of the obligation still remains outstanding.

Q: X, who has a savings deposit with Y Bank in the sum of PI,000,000.00, incurs a loan obligation with the said bank in the sum of P800,000.00 which has become due. When X tries to withdraw his deposit, Y Bank allows only P200,000.00 to be withdrawn, less service charges, claiming that compensation has extinguished its obligation under the savings account to the concurrent amount of X's debt. X contends that compensation is improper when one of the debts, as here, arises from a contract of deposit. Assuming that the promissory note signed by X to evidence the loan does not provide for compensation between said loan and his savings deposit, who is correct? (1998 Bar Question)

XPN: Obligation is extinguished with respect only to the share corresponding to the DR or CR concerned. In effect, there is only partial extinguishment of the entire obligation (Art. 1277; Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 281). Q: In a solidary obligation, what is the effect of confusion or merger in one debtor or creditor? A: If a solidary debtor had paid the entire obligation, the obligation is totally extinguished without prejudice to the rights of the solidary debtor who paid, to proceed against his solidary co- debtors for the latter’s individual contribution or liability (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 282).


A: Y bank is correct. All the requisites of Art. 1279, Civil Code are present. Compensation shall take place when two persons are reciprocally creditor and debtor of each other. In this connection, it has been held that the relation existing between a depositor and a bank is that of creditor and debtor. As a general rule, a bank has a right of set off of the deposits in its hands for the payment of any indebtedness to it on the part of a depositor" (Gullas v. PNB, GR No. L-43191, November 13, 1935). Hence,

192

OBLIGATIONS compensation took place between the mutual obligations of X and Y bank.

collectible in its favor from Pacweld also by way of attorney's fees which MPCC recovered from the same CFI of Manila in another civil case. Was there legal compensation?

Q: What are the debts or obligations not subject to compensation?

A: MPCC and Pacweld were creditors and debtors of each other, their debts to each other consisting in final and executory judgments of the CFI in two separate cases. The two obligations, therefore, respectively offset each other, compensation having taken effect by operation of law and extinguished both debts to the concurrent amount of P10,000.00, pursuant to the provisions of Arts. 1278, 1279 and 1290 of the Civil Code, since all the requisites provided in Art. 1279 of the said Code for automatic compensation "even though the creditors and debtors are not aware of the compensation" were present. (Mindanao Portland Cement Corp. v. CA,G.R. No. L-62169, Feb. 28, 1983)

A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Debts or obligations arising from contracts of depositum (Art. 1287) Debts arising from obligations of a depositary. (Ibid) Debts arising from obligations of a baileee in commodatum (Ibid) Claims for support due by gratuitous title (Ibid) Obligations arising from criminal offenses (Art. 1288) Certain obligations in favor of government (e.g. taxes, fees, duties, and others of a similar nature)

Q: What is conventional compensation? Note: Compensation takes place by operation of law, even though the debts may be payable at different places, but there shall be an indemnity for expenses of exchange or transportation to the place of payment. (Art. 1286)

A: It is one that takes place by agreement of the parties. Q: What is the rule in conventional compensation?

KINDS OF COMPENSATION

A: Compensation to become effective: GR: The mutual debts must be both due (Art. 1279) XPN: The parties may agree that their mutual debts be compensated even if the same are not yet due (Art. 1282)

Q: What are the kinds of compensation? A: 1. 2. 3.

4.

Legal compensation – by operation of law Conventional – by agreement of the parties Judicial (set-off) – by judgment of the court when there is a counterclaim duly pleaded, and the compensation decreed Facultative – may be claimed or opposed by one of the parties.

Q: When shall judicial compensation arise? A: If one of the parties to a suit over an obligation has a claim for damages against the other, the former may set it off by proving his right to said damages and the amount thereof (Art. 1283).

Q: De Leon sold and delivered to Silahis various merchandise. Due to Silahis' default, De Leon filed a complaint for the collection of said accounts. Silahis asserts, as affirmative defense, a debit memo as unrealized profit for a supposed commission that Silahis should have received from De Leon. Was there legal compensation?

Note: All the requisites mentioned in Art. 1279 must be present, except that at the time of filing the pleading, the claim need not be liquidated. The liquidation must be made in the proceedings.

Q: What is facultative compensation? A: One of the parties has a choice of claiming or opposing the compensation but waives his objection thereto such as an obligation of such party is with a period for his benefit alone and he renounces the period to make the obligation become due.

A: Silahis admits the validity of its outstanding accounts with De Leon. But whether De Leon is liable to pay Silahis a commission on the subject sale to Dole is disputed. This circumstance prevents legal compensation from taking place (Silahis Marketing Corp. v. IAC, G. R. No. L-74027, Dec. 7, 1989).

Example: X owes Y P100,000 demandable and due on Apr. 1, 2012. Y owes X P100,000 demandable and due on or before Apr. 15, 2012. Y, who was given the benefit of the term, may claim compensation on April 1, 2012. On the other hand, X, who demands compensation, can be properly opposed by Y because Y could not be made to pay until Apr. 15, 2012.

Note: Compensation is not proper where the claim of the person asserting the set-off against the other is not clear or liquidated; compensation cannot extend to unliquidated, disputed claim existing from breach of contract. (Silahis Marketing Corp. v. IAC, G. R. No. L-74027, Dec. 7, 1989)

Note: Facultative compensation is unilateral and does not require mutual agreement; voluntary or conventional compensation requires mutual consent.

Q: Atty. Laquihon, in behalf of Pacweld, filed a pleading addressed to MPCC titled “motion to direct payment of attorney's fee”, invoking a decision wherein MPCC was adjudged to pay Pacweld the sum of P10,000.00 as attorney's fees. MPCC filed an opposition stating that the said amount is set-off by a like sum of P10,000.00,

Q: Eduardo was granted a loan by XYZ Bank for the purpose of improving a building which XYZ leased from

193


CIVIL LAW him. Eduardo executed the promissory note in favor of the bank, with his friend Ricardo as cosignatory. In the PN, they both acknowledged that they are “individually and collectively” liable and waived the need for prior demand. To secure the PN, Ricardo executed a real estate mortgage on his own property. When Eduardo defaulted on the PN, XYZ stopped payment of rentals on the building on the ground that legal compensation had set in. Since there was still a balance due on the PN after applying the rentals, XYZ foreclosed the real estate mortgage over Ricardo’s property. Ricardo opposed the foreclosure on the ground that he is only a co-signatory; that no demand was made upon him for payment, and assuming he is liable, his liability should not go beyond half of the balance of the loan. Further, Ricardo said that when the bank invoked compensation between the rentals and the amount of the loan, it amounted to a new contract or novation, and had the effect of extinguishing the security since he did not give his consent (as owner of the property under the real estate mortgage) thereto.

because there is no change in the object or principal conditions of the obligation. There is no substitution of debtors, either. Compensation is considered as abbreviated or simplified payment and since Ricardo bound himself solidarily with Eduardo, any facultative compensation which occurs does not result in partial legal subrogation. Neither Eduardo nor Ricardo is a third person interested in the obligation under Art. 1302. Q: What are the obligations subject to facultative compensation? A: When one of the debts arises from: 1. Depositum 2. Obligations of a depositary 3. Obligations in commudatum 4. Claim of support due to gratuitous title XPN: Future support. 5.

Civil liability from a crime

Can XYZ Bank validly assert legal compensation? Note: Art. 1288 prohibits compensation if one of the debts consists in civil liability arising from a penal offense. However, the victim is allowed to claim compensation.

A: XYZ Bank may validly assert the partial compensation of both debts, but it should be facultative compensation because not all of the five requisites of legal compensation are present (Art. 1279). The payment of the rentals by XYZ Bank is not yet due, but the principal obligation of loan where both Eduardo and Ricardo are bound solidarily and therefore any of them is bound principally to pay the entire loan, is due and demandable without need of demand. XYZ Bank may declare its obligation to pay rentals as already due and demand payment from any of the two debtors.

Q: What is the rule if one or both debts are rescissible or voidable? A: When one or both debts are recissible or voidable, they may be compensated against each other before they are judicially rescinded or avoided (Art. 1284). Note: If the prescriptive period had already lapsed, there is automatic compensation and the same will not be disturbed anymore. Whereas, if the debt is rescinded or annulled, compensation shall be restitution of what each party had received before the rescission or annulment.

Q: Can Ricardo’s property be foreclosed to pay the full balance of the loan? A: No, because there was no prior demand on Ricardo, depriving him of the right to reasonably block the foreclosure by payment. The waiver of prior demand in the PN is against public policy and violates the right to due process. Without demand, there is no default and the foreclosure is null and void. Since the mortgage, insofar as Ricardo is concerned is not violated, a requirement under Act 3135 for a valid foreclosure of real estate mortgage is absent.

Q: What are the effects of assignment on compensation of debts? A: 1.

XPN: when the assignment was made with the consent of the debtor.

In the case of DBP v. Licuanan, it was held that: “the issue of whether demand was made before the foreclosure was effected is essential. If demand was made and duly received by the respondents and the latter still did not pay, then they were already in default and foreclosure was proper. However, if demand was not made, then the loans had not yet become due and demandable. This meant that the respondents had not defaulted in their payment and the foreclosure was premature.”

Note: Such consent operates as a waiver of the rights to compensation.

XPN TO THE XPN: at the time he gave his consent, he reserved his right to the compensation. 2.

Q: Does Ricardo have basis under the Civil Code for claiming that the original contract was novated? (2008 Bar Question) A: None of the three kinds of novation is applicable. There is no objective novation, whether express or implied, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

After the compensation took place – GR: ineffectual; useless act since there is nothing more to assign

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Before compensation took place a. With the consent of the debtor – compensation cannot be set up except when the right to compensation is reserved. b. With the knowledge but without consent of the debtor – compensation can be set up regarding debts previous to the cession or assignment but not subsequent ones.

OBLIGATIONS c.

Without the knowledge of debtor - can set up compensation as a defense for all debts maturing prior to his knowledge of the assignment.

Code

of Court, particularly on Counterclaims and/or Cross-claims are observed.

Q: Distinguish compensation from payment

NOVATION

A:

Q: What is novation?

COMPENSATION A mode of extinguishing to the concurrent amount, the obligations of those persons who in their own right are reciprocally debtors and creditors of each other Capacity of parties not necessary Reason: Compensation operates by law, not by the act of the parties There can be partial extinguishment of the obligation Legal compensation takes place by operation of law without simultaneous delivery Parties must be mutually debtors and creditors of each other

PAYMENT A: It is the substitution or change of an obligation by another, resulting in its extinguishment or modification, either by changing the object or principal conditions, or by substituting another in the place of the debtor or by subrogating a third person to the rights of the creditor (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 298).

Payment means not only delivery of money but also performance of an obligation

Q: What are the requisites of novation?

Debtor must have capacity to dispose of the thing paid; creditor must have capacity to receive payment

A: OIC -SN 1. Valid Old obligation 2. Intent to extinguish or to modify the old obligation 3. Capacity and consent of all the parties to the new obligation (except in case of expromission where the old debtor does not participate) 4. Substantial difference of the old and new obligation – on every point incompatible with each other (implied novation) 5. Valid New obligation

The performance must be complete and indivisible unless waived by the creditor Takes effect by the act of the parties and involves delivery or action It is not necessary that the parties be mutually debtors and creditors of each other

Q: What are the two-fold functions of novation? A: 1. 2.

Q: Distinguish compensation from confusion. A: COMPENSATION (Arts. 1278-1279) Two persons who are mutual debtors and creditors of each other At least two obligations

Q: What are the kinds of novation?

CONFUSION (Arts. 1275-1277) One person where qualities of debtor and creditor are merged One obligation

A: 1.

A:

Need not to be pleaded; takes place by operation of law and extinguishes reciprocally the two debts as soon as they exist simultaneously, to the amount of their respective sums. Generally, both debts must be liquidated Legal or conventional compensation governed by the Civil

As to essence Objective or real novation – changing the object or principal conditions of the obligation (Art. 1291). b. Subjective or personal novation – change of the parties. i. Substituting the person of the debtor (passive novation) – may be made without the knowledge of or against the will of the latter, but not without the consent of the creditor. a) Delegacion – the substitution is initiated by the old debtor himself (delegante) by convincing another person (delegado) to take his place and to pay his obligation to the creditor. b) Expromission – the substitution of the old debtor by a new debtor is upon the initiative or proposal of a third person. a.

Q: Distinguish compensation from counterclaim or set-off

COMPENSATION

It extinguishes the old obligation; and Creates a new obligation in lieu of the old one.

COUNTERCLAIM / SET-OFF

It must be pleaded to be effectual

Note: If it is the creditor who initiated the change of debtor, it is considered expromission

Does not require that debts are liquidated Judicial compensation provided that the requirements of Rules

ii.

195

Subrogating a third person to the rights of the creditor (active novation)


CIVIL LAW c.

2.

3.

Mixed – combination of the objective and subjective novation.

Q: What are the requisites of delegacion? A: 1.

As to form of their constitution a. Express – the parties declared in unequivocal terms that the obligation is extinguished by the new obligation. b. Implied – no express declaration that the old obligation is extinguished by the new one. The old and new obligation is incompatible on every material point. (Art. 1292)

2. 3.

As to extent of their effects Total or extinctive – obligation is originally extinguished. b. Partial or modificatory – original obligation is not extinguished but merely modified.

Q: In case of delegacion, what is the effect if the new debtor is insolvent?

a.

4.

Substitution is upon the initiative or proposal of the old debtor himself by proposing to the creditor the entry of another (third person) as the new debtor who will replace him in payment of the obligation. The creditor accepts and the new debtor agrees to the proposal of the old debtor. The old debtor is released from the obligation with the consent of the creditor.

A: GR: Insolvency of the new debtor (delegado), who has been proposed by the original debtor (delegante) and accepted by the creditor (delegatario), shall not revive the action of the latter against the original obligor. (Art. 1295)

As to their origin Legal novation – by operation of law (Art. 1300 and 1302) b. Conventional novation – by agreement of the parties (Art. 1300 and 1301) a.

5. a. b.

XPN: Original debtor shall be held liable: 1. Insolvency was already existing and of public knowledge, or known to the debtor (Art. 1295); 2. Insolvency of the new debtor was already existing and known to the original debtor at the time of the delegation of the debt to the new debtor. (Art. 1295)

As to presence of absence of condition Pure – new obligation is not subject to a condition Conditional – when the creation of the new obligation is subject to a condition.

Q: What are the rights of the new debtor? Q: What are the requisites of expromission? A: 1. 2.

With the debtor’s consent – right of reimbursement and subrogation. Without the consent of the old debtor or against his will – right to beneficial reimbursement.

A: 1. 2.

Q: Is novation presumed?

3.

A: No. Novation is never presumed, it must be proven as a fact either by: 1. Explicit declaration – if it be so declared in unequivocal terms; or 2. Material incompatibility – that the old and the new obligations be on every point incompatible with each other. (Art. 1292)

Q: In case of expromission, what is the effect in case the new debtor is insovent or could not fulfill the obligation? A: If substitution is without the knowledge or against the will of the debtor, the new debtor’s insolvency or nonfulfillment of the obligation shall not give rise to any liability on the part of the original debtor. (Art. 1294)

Q: Is creditor’s consent mandatory in the substituting the person of the creditor?

Note: If the old debtor gave his consent and the new debtor could not fulfill the obligation, the old debtor should be liable for the payment of his original obligation.

A: Yes. The consent of the creditor is mandatory both in delegacion and expromission. (Art. 1293) It may be express or implied from his acts but not from his mere acceptance of payment by a third party, for there is no true transfer of debt. Note: Creditor’s consent or acceptance of the substitution of the old debtor by a new one may be given at anytime and in any form while the agreement of the debtor subsists (Asia Banking Corp. v. Elser, 54 Phil. 994)


Substitution is upon the initiative or proposal of a third person who will step into the shoes of the debtor; Creditor must give his consent to the proposal of the third person. Old debtor must be released from the obligation with the consent of the creditor.

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OBLIGATIONS SUMMARY

Person who initiated the substitution Consent of the creditor Consent of the old debtor Consent of third person Intention of substitution

Rights of the new debtor

Insolvency or nonfulfillment of the obligation of the new debtor

Delegacion Expromission Old debtor Third person It may be express or implied from his acts but not from his mere acceptance of payment by a third party. With or without the knowledge of the With the consent of the old debtor debtor or against the will of the old (since he initiated the substitution) debtor Consent is needed but it need not be Consent is needed given simultaneously Released from the obligation with the consent of the creditor With the debtor’s consent – right of reimbursement and subrogation With the debtor’s consent – right of reimbursement and subrogation Without the consent of the old debtor or against his will – right to beneficial reimbursement Shall not revive the action of the latter With the debtor’s consent - If the old against the original obligor debtor gave his consent and the new debtor could not fulfill the obligation, Original debtor shall be held liable: the old debtor should be liable for the 1. Insolvency was already payment of his original obligation. existing and of public knowledge, or known to the Without the consent of the old debtor or debtor against his will – the new debtor’s 2. Insolvency of the new debtor insolvency or nonfulfillment of the was already existing and obligation shall not give rise to any known to the original debtor liability on the part of the original at the time of the delegation debtor. of the debt to the new debtor.

Q: SDIC issued to Danilo a Diners Card (credit card) with Jeannete as his surety. Danilo used this card and initially paid his obligations to SDIC. Thereafter, Danilo wrote SDIC a letter requesting it to upgrade his Regular Diners Club Card to a Diamond (Edition) one. As a requirement of SDIC, Danilo secured from Jeanette her approval and the latter obliged. Danilo's request was granted and he was issued a Diamond (Edition) Diners Club Card. Danilo had incurred credit charged plus appropriate interest and service charge. However, he defaulted in the payment of this obligation. Was the upgrading a novation of the original agreement governing the use of Danilo Alto's first credit card, as to extinguish that obligation?

Q: What are the effects of novation? A: 1.

Extinguishment of principal also extinguishes the accessory, except: a.

2.

A: Yes. Novation, as a mode of extinguishing obligations, may be done in two ways: by explicit declaration, or by material incompatibility. There is no doubt that the upgrading was a novation of the original agreement covering the first credit card issued to Danilo Alto, basically since it was committed with the intent of cancelling and replacing the said card. However, the novation did not serve to release Jeanette from her surety obligations because in the surety undertaking she expressly waived discharge in case of change or novation in the agreement governing the use of the first credit card (Molino v. Security Diners International Corp., G.R. No. 136780, Aug. 16, 2001).

3.

197

Mortgagor, pledgor, surety or guarantor agrees to be bound by the new obligation (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 1999 ed, p. 395) b. Stipulation made in favor of a third person such as stipulation pour atrui (Art. 1311), unless beneficiary consents to the novation. (Art. 1296) If old obligation is: a. Void – novation is void (Art. 1298) b. Voidable – novation is valid provided that the annulment may be claimed only by the debtor or when ratification validates acts. (Art. 1298) c. If the old obligation was subject to a suspensive or resolutory condition, the new obligation shall be under the same condition, unless it is otherwise stipulated. (Art. 1299) If old obligation is conditional and the new obligation is pure: a. if resolutory and it occurred – old obligation already extinguished; no new obligation since nothing to novate. b. if suspensive and it did not occur – it is as if there is no obligation; thus, there is nothing to novate


CIVIL LAW 4.

Note: Conventional subrogation of a third person requires the consent of the original parties and of the third person. (Art. 1301)

If the new obligation is: a. Void – original one shall subsist, unless the parties intended that the former relation should be extinguished in any event. (Art. 1297) b. Voidable – novation can take place, except when such new obligation is annulled. In such case, old obligation shall subsist. c. Pure obligation – conditions of old obligation deemed attached to the new, unless otherwise stipulated (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. IV, 1999 ed, p. 399) d. Conditional obligation: i. if resolutory– valid until the happening of the condition (Art. 1181) ii. if suspensive and did not materialize– no novation, old obligation is enforced (Art. 1181)

2. As to their extent a. Total subrogation – credits or rights of the creditor in the transaction are totally transferred to the third person. b. Partial subrogation – only part of the credit or rights of the creditor in the transaction are transferred to the third person. Note: A creditor, to whom partial payment has been made, may exercise his right for the remainder and he shall be preferred to the person who has been subrogated in his place in virtue of the partial payment of the same credit. (Art. 1304)

Q: When does legal subrogation exist? Q: Will a contract of suretyship, which is secondary to a principal obligation, be extinguished when novation occurs?

A: It is presumed that there is legal subrogation: 1. When a creditor pays another creditor who is preferred, even without the debtor’s knowledge; 2. When a third person, not interested in the obligation, pays with the express or tacit approval of the debtor 3. When, even without the knowledge of the debtor, a person interested in the fulfillment of the obligation pays, without prejudice to the effects of confusion as to the latter’s share (Art. 1302)

A: A surety is released from its obligation when there is a material alteration of the principal contract in connection with which the bond is given, such as a change which imposes a new obligation on the promising party, or which takes away some obligation already imposed, or one which changes the legal effect of the original contract and not merely its form (Philippine Charter Insurance Corporation vs. Petroleum Distributors & Service Corporation, G.R. No. 180898, April 18, 2012). Furthermore, a surety is not released by a change in the contract, which does not have the effect of making its obligation more onerous (Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc. v. Tokyu Construction Company, G.R. Nos. 158820-21 [2009]). As such, a contract is only extinguished by novation when there is a material alteration in the principal contract or if it has the effect of making the obligation more onerous.

Note: GR: Legal subrogation is not presumed (Art. 1300) XPN: in cases expressly mentioned in the law - Art. 1302

Q: Distinguish conventional subrogation from assignment of credit A: CONVENTIONAL SUBROGATION

ASSIGNMENT OF CREDITS OR RIGHTS Governing law Art. 1300-1304 Art. 1624-1627 Effect The transfer of the credit or right does not extinguish or It extinguishes the modify the obligation. The original obligation and transferee becomes the new creates a new one creditor for the same obligation. Need for consent of debtor The consent of the debtor is not The consent of the necessary. Notification is debtor is necessary. enough for the validity of the (Art. 1301) assignment. (Art. 1626) Effectivity Begins from the Begins from notification of the moment of debtor subrogation Curability of defect or vice The defect in the old The defect in the credit or rights obligation may be is not cured by its mere cured such that the assignment to a third person

Q: What is subrogation? A: It is the active subjective novation characterized by the transfer to a third person of all rights appertaining to the creditor in the transaction concerned including the right to proceed against the guarantors or possessors of mortgages and similar others subject to any applicable legal provision or any stipulation agreed upon by the parties in conventional subrogation. Note: Whoever pays on behalf of the debtor without the knowledge or against the will of the latter, cannot compel the creditor to subrogate him in his rights, such as those arising from a mortgage, guaranty, or penalty (Art. 1237).

Q: What are the kinds of subrogation? A: 1. As to their creation a. Legal subrogation – constituted by virtue of a law (Art. 1300; Art. 1302) b. Voluntary or conventional subrogation – created by the parties by their voluntary agreement (Art. 1300)


198

OBLIGATIONS new obligation becomes valid Defense Debtor cannot set up a defense against the new creditor which he could have availed himself of against the old creditor

The debtor can still set up the defense (available against the old creditor) against the new creditor

Note: In the law of subrogation, active subjective novation is stricter than passive subjective novation. In the latter, the consent of the old debtor is not even required in expromission.

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CIVIL LAW CONTRACTS

Requisites of stipulation pour atrui: a. Stipulation in favor of a third person; b. Stipulation is just part and not the whole obligations of the contract; c. Contracting parties must have clearly and deliberately conferred a favor upon third person; d. Third person must have communicated his acceptance; and e. Neither of the contracting parties bears the legal representation of the third person. (Young v. Court of Appeals G.R. No. 79518, Jan. 13, 1989)

Q: What is a contract? A: A contract is a meeting of minds between two persons whereby one binds himself, with respect to the other, to give something or to render some service. (Art. 1305) Q: What is the difference between an obligation and a contract? A: While a contract is one of the sources of obligations, an obligation is the legal tie or relations itself that exists after a contract has been entered into. 3. Hence, there can be no contract if there is no obligation. But an obligation may exist without a contract. (De Leon, Obligations and Contracts, 2003 ed, p. 283-284) 4. Q: State the characteristics of a contract. 5. A: ROMA 1. Relativity (Art. 1311) 2. Obligatoriness and consensuality (Art. 1315) 3. Mutuality (Art. 1308) 4. Autonomy (Art. 1306)

6. Note: This tort or wrongful conduct is known as “Interference with contractual relations.”

Requisites: a. Existence of a valid contract; b. Third person has knowledge of such contract; c. Third person interferes without justification.

RELATIVITY OF CONTRACTS Q: What is the principle of relativity (principle of limited effectivity) of contracts? (2011 Bar Question)

Q: Fieldmen's Insurance issued, in favor of MYT, a common carrier, accident insurance policy. 50% of the premium was paid by the driver. The policy indicated that the Company will indemnify the driver of the vehicle or his representatives upon his death. While the policy was in force, the taxicab driven by Carlito, met with an accident. Carlito died. MYT and Carlito's parents filed a complaint against the company to collect the proceeds of the policy. Fieldmen’s admitted the existence thereof, but pleaded lack of cause of action on the part of the parents. Decide.

A: GR: Contracts take effect only between the parties or their assigns and heirs, except where the rights and obligations arising from the contract are not transmissible by their nature, by stipulation, or by provision of law (Art. 1311). Res inter alios acta aliis neque nocet prodest (a thing done between others does not harm or benefit others) – a contract can only obligate the parties who entered into it, or their successors who assumed their personalities, and that, concomitantly, a contract can neither favor nor prejudice third persons. (Vitug, Civil Law. 2006 ed. p. 134)

A: Carlito’s parents who, admittedly, are his sole heirs have a direct cause of action against the Company. This is so because pursuant to the stipulations, the Company will also indemnify third parties. The policy under consideration is typical of contracts pour autrui, this character being made more manifest by the fact that the deceased driver paid 50% of the premiums (Coquia v. Fieldmen’s Insurance Co., Inc.,G.R. No. L-23276, Nov. 29, 1968).

Note: With respect to the heir, he shall not be liable beyond the value of the property he received from the decedent. (Art. 1311)

XPNs: 1. Rights and obligations that are not transmissible by their nature, or by the stipulation or by provisions of law. (Art. 1311) 2. Stipulation pour autrui (stipulation in favor of a third person) – benefits clearly and deliberately conferred by parties to a contract upon third persons (Art. 1311) and which stipulation is merely part of a contract entered into by the parties, neither of whom acted as agents of the third person and which favor can be demanded by the third person if duly accepted by him before it could be revoked.


Third persons coming into possession of the object of the contract creating real rights subject to the provisions of Mortgage Law and the Land Registration Law. (Art. 1312) Contracts entered into in fraud of creditors. (Art. 1313) When a third person induces a party to violate the contract. (Art. 1314)

OBLIGATORY FORCE OF CONTRACTS Q: What is the obligatory force of contracts? A: The parties are bound from the moment the contracts are perfected by mere consent not only from the fulfillment of what has been expressly stipulated but also to all the consequences which, according to their nature, may be in keeping with good faith, usage and law (Art. 1315).

200

CONTRACTS Note: Obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the contracting parties and should be complied with in good faith (Art. 1159).

contract, while the other party merely affixes his signature or his "adhesion" thereto, giving no room for negotiation and depriving the latter of the opportunity to bargain on equal footing (Norton Resources and Development Corporation v. All Asia Bank Corporation, G.R. No. 162523 [2009]).

Contracts shall be obligatory, in whatever form they may have been entered into, provided all the essential requisites for validity are present (Art. 1356).

Q: Is contract of adhesion valid?

When the provisions of a contract are valid, the parties are bound by such terms under the principle that a contract is the law between the parties (P.L. UY Realty Corporation v. ALS Management and Development Corporation and Antonio S. Litonjua, G.R. No. 166642, October 24, 2012).

A: Yes. It is not entirely prohibited since the one who adheres to the contract is, in reality, free to reject it entirely, and if he adheres, he gives his consent (Premiere Development Bank v. Central Surety & Insurance Company, Inc., G.R. No. 176246 [2009]). However, it is void when the weaker party is imposed upon in dealing with the dominant bargaining party, and its option is reduced to the alternative of “taking or leaving it,” completely depriving such party of the opportunity to bargain on equal footing (Keppel Cebu Shipyard, Inc. v. Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation, G.R. Nos. 180880-81 [2009]).

Q: Villamor borrowed a large amount from Borromeo, for which he mortgaged his property but defaulted. Borromeo pressed him for settlement. The latter instead offered to execute a promissory note containing a promise to pay his debt as soon as he is able, even after 10 years and that he waives his right to prescription. What are the effects of said stipulation to the action for collection filed by Borromeo?

Q: What is the rule in interpreting contracts of adhesion?

A: None. The rule is that a lawful promise made for a lawful consideration is not invalid merely because an unlawful promise was made at the same time and for the same consideration. This rule applies although the invalidity is due to violation of a statutory provision, unless the statute expressly or by necessary implication declares the entire contract void. Thus, even with such waiver of prescription, considering that it was the intent of the parties to effectuate the terms of the promissory note, there is no legal obstacle to the action for collection filed by Borromeo (Borromeo v. CA,G.R. No. L-22962, Sept. 28, 1972).

A: In interpreting such contracts, however, courts are expected to observe greater vigilance in order to shield the unwary or weaker party from deceptive schemes contained in ready-made covenants (Premiere Development Bank v. Central Surety Insurance Company, Inc., G.R. No. 176246 [2009]). In case of doubt which will cause a great imbalance of rights against one of the parties, the contract shall be construed against the party who drafted the same (Magis Young Achiever’s Learning Center v. Manalo, G.R. No. 178835 [2009])

Note: Where an agreement founded on a legal consideration contains several promises, or a promise to do several things, and a part only of the things to be done are illegal, the promises which can be separated, or the promise, so far as it can be separated, from the illegality, may be valid (Borromeo v. CA,G.R. No. L-22962, Sept. 28, 1972).

Q: May a third person determine the performance of a contract? Does it automatically bind the contracting parties? A: Yes. The determination of the performance may be left to a third person. However, decision shall not be binding until it has been known to both the contracting parties (Art. 1309). Moreover, the determination made shall not be obligatory if it is evidently inequitable. In such case, the courts shall decide what is equitable under the circumstances (Art. 1310).

MUTUALITY OF CONTRACTS Q: What is the principle of mutuality of contracts? A: The contract must bind both contracting parties and its validity or compliance cannot be left to the will of one of them (Art. 1308).

AUTONOMY OF CONTRACTS

Note: A contract containing a condition whose efficacy or fulfillment is dependent solely on the uncontrolled will of one of the parties is void. (Garcia v. Rita, Gr. No. L-20175, October 30, 1967; PNB v. CA, G.R. No. 88880, April 30, 1991)

Q: What is the principle of autonomy of contracts? A: It is the freedom of the parties to contract and includes the freedom to stipulate provided the stipulations are not contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order or public policy (Art. 1306).

However, the termination of the contract does not necessarily require mutuality, and it can even be validly left to one party by agreement or under a resolutory facultative condition. (Vitug, Civil Law. 2006 ed. p. 134)

Note: Courts cannot make for the parties better or more equitable agreements than they themselves have been satisfied to make, or rewrite contracts because they operate harshly or inequitably as to one of the parties, or alter them for the benefit of one party and to the detriment of the other, or by construction, relieve one of the parties from terms which he voluntarily consented to, or impose on him those which he did not. (Angel Bautista v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 123655, January 19, 2000)

Q: What is a contract of adhesion? A: A contract of adhesion is defined as one in which one of the parties imposes a ready-made form of contract, which the other party may accept or reject, but which the latter cannot modify. One party prepares the stipulation in the

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CIVIL LAW ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF A CONTRACT

Q: What are the requisites of a valid consent?

Q: State the essential elements of contracts.

A: It should be: 1. Intelligent, or with an exact notion of the matter to which it refers;

A: COC 1. 2. 3.

Consent; Object or subject matter; and Cause or consideration.

Note: Intelligence in consent is vitiated by error; freedom by violence, intimidation or undue influence; and spontaneity by fraud.

CONSENT

2. 3.

Q: Define consent

Q: What are the elements of a valid offer and acceptance?

A: It is the manifestation of the meeting of the offer and the acceptance upon the thing and the cause which are to constitute the contract (Art. 1319).

A: 1. 2. 3.

Note: Consent is essential to the existence of a contract; and where it is wanting, the contract is non-existent.

A: LM-CR 1. Legal capacity of the contracting parties;

Q: What are the requisites of a valid offer?

Note: Contracting parties must be juristic entities at the time of the consummation of the contract. Stated otherwise, to form a valid and legal agreement it is necessary that there be a party capable of contracting and a party capable of being contracted with. Hence, if any one party to a supposed contract was already dead at the time of its execution, such contract is undoubtedly simulated and false and, therefore, null and void by reason of its having been made after the death of the party who appears as one of the contracting parties therein. The death of a person terminates contractual capacity (Milagros De Belen Vda. De Cabalu, et. al. v. SPS. Renato Dolores Tabu and Laxamana, G.R. No. 188417, September 24, 2012).

3.

4.

A: 1. 2.

Must be certain (Art. 1345) May be made orally or in writing, unless the law prescribes a particular form

Note: The person making the offer may fix the time, place and manner of acceptance, all of which must be complied with. (Art. 1321)

Q: When does offer become ineffective? A: 1.

Manifestation of the conformity of the contracting parties; Parties’ Conformity to the object, cause, terms and condition of the contract must be intelligent, spontaneous and free from all vices of consent; and The conformity must be Real.

2. 3. 4. 5.

Q: The husband assumed sole administration of the family’s mango plantation since his wife worked abroad. Subsequently, without his wife’s knowledge, the husband entered into an antichretic transaction with a company, giving it possession and management of the plantation with power to harvest and sell the fruits and to apply the proceeds to the payment of a loan he got. What is the standing of the contract? (2011 Bar Question)

Death, civil interdiction, insanity or insolvency of either party before acceptance is conveyed Express or implied revocation of the offer by the offeree Qualified or conditional acceptance of the offer, which becomes counter-offer Subject matter becomes illegal or impossible before acceptance is communicated Period given to the offerree to signify his acceptance has already lapsed

Q: What is the rule on complex offer? A: 1. 2.

A: It is considered a continuing offer by the parties; perfected only upon the wife’s acceptance or the court’s authorization.


Definite – unequivocal Intentional Complete – unconditional

Note: We follow the cognitive theory and not the mailbox theory. Under our Civil Law, the offer and acceptance concur only when the acceptance has reached the knowledge of the offeror, and not at the time of sending the acceptance.

Q: What are the elements of consent?

2.

Free; and Spontaneous.

202

Offers are interrelated – contract is perfected if all the offers are accepted Offers are not interrelated – single acceptance of each offer results in a perfected contract unless the offeror has made it clear that one is dependent upon the other and acceptance of both is necessary.

CONTRACTS Q: What is the rule on advertisements as offers?

d.

A: 1.

e.

2.

Business advertisements – not a definite offer, but mere invitation to make an offer, unless it appears otherwise (Art. 1325) Advertisement for bidders – simply invitation to make proposals and advertiser is not bound to accept the highest or lowest bidder, unless the contrary appears. (Art. 1326)

Q: What are the vices of consent? A: MIVUF 1. Mistake 2. Intimidation 3. Violence 4. Undue influence 5. Fraud

Q: What are the requisites of a valid acceptance? A: 1. 2.

Must be absolute; a qualified acceptance constitutes a counter-offer (Art. 1319) No specified form but when the offeror specifies a particular form, such must be complied with.

Q: What kind of mistake that will be considered as a vice of consent? A: GR: Mistake as a vice of consent refers to mistake of facts and not of law.

Note: Offer or acceptance, or both, expressed in electronic form, is valid, unless otherwise agreed by the parties (electronic contracts).

XPN: When mistake of law involves mutual error as to the legal effect of an agreement when the real purpose of the parties is frustrated (Art. 1334)

Q: What is the period for acceptance? A: 1.

Stated fixed period in the offer a. Must be made within the period given by the offeror. b. As to withdrawal of the offer: GR: It can be made at any time before acceptance is made, by communicating such withdrawal.

Requisites: 1. Mistake must be with respect to the legal effect of the agreement; 2. It must be mutual; and 3. Real purpose of the parties must have been frustrated. Q: What are the kinds of mistakes of fact which vitiate consent?

XPN: When the option is founded upon a consideration, as something paid or promised since partial payment of the purchase price is considered as proof of the perfection of the contract. 2.

Contracts of deposit with the Postal Savings Bank provided that the minor is over 7 years of age Upon reaching age of majority – they ratify the same

A: 1.

Error in Re (mistake as to object) 1. Error in Corpore (mistake as to the identity of the thing) 2. Error in Substantia (mistake as to the substance of the thing) 3. Error in Quantitae (mistake as to the quantity of the thing) 4. Mistake as to the conditions of the thing, provided such conditions have principally moved one or both parties to enter into the contract

2.

Error in Persona (Mistake as to person)

No stated fixed period a. Offer is made to a person present – acceptance must be made immediately. b. Offer is made to a person absent – acceptance may be made within such time that, under normal circumstances, an answer can be received from him.

Q: Who are the persons incapacitated to give consent? A: DIM 1. 2. 3.

Deaf-mutes who do not know how to read and write (illiterates) Insane or demented persons, unless the contract was entered into during a lucid interval Minors (Art. 1327) except: a. Contracts for necessaries (Art. 1489) b. Contracts by guardians or legal representatives and the court having jurisdiction had approved the same c. When there is active misrepresentation on the part of the minor (minor is estopped)

Mistake as to the identity or qualifications of one of the parties will vitiate consent only when such identity or qualifications have been the principal cause of the contract. For mistake as to the qualification of one of the parties to vitiate consent, two requisites must concur: a. The mistake must be either with regard to the identity or with regard to the qualification of one of the contracting parties; and b. The identity or qualification must have been the principal consideration for the celebration of the contract (The Roman

203


CIVIL LAW Catholic Church v. Regino Pante, G.R. No. 174118, April 11, 2012)

Q: Is a threat to enforce a valid claim an intimidation? A: No. A threat to enforce a just or legal claim through a competent authority does not amount to intimidation nor vitiate consent (Art. 1335).

Q: When will mistake invalidate consent? A: Mistake, in order to invalidate consent, should refer to the substance of the thing which is the object of the contract, or to those conditions which have principally moved one or both parties to enter into the contract (Leonardo v. CA, G.R. No. 125485, Sept. 13, 2004).

Q: What are the requisites of violence? A: 1.

Q: Leonardo is the only legitimate child of the late spouses Tomasina and Balbino. She only finished Grade three and did not understand English. The Sebastians, on the other hand, are illegitimate children. She filed an action to declare the nullity of the extrajudicial settlement of the estate of her parents, which she was made to sign without the contents thereof, which were in English, explained to her. She claims that her consent was vitiated because she was deceived into signing the extrajudicial settlement. Is the extra-judicial settlement of estate of Tomasina valid?

2.

Physical force employed must be serious or irresistible; and The determining cause for the party upon whom it is employed in entering into the contract.

Q: May a contract be annulled if the violence or intimidation was employed by third person? A: Yes. Violence or intimidation shall annul the obligation, although it may have been employed by a third person who did not take part in the contract (Art. 1336) Q: When does undue influence vitiate consent?

A: No. When one of the parties is unable to read, or if the contract is in a language not understood by him, and mistake or fraud is alleged, the person enforcing the contract must show that the terms thereof have been fully explained to the former. (Art. 1332) Leonardo was not in a position to give her free, voluntary and spontaneous consent without having the document, which was in English, explained to her. Therefore, the consent of Leonardo was invalidated by a substantial mistake or error, rendering the agreement voidable. The extrajudicial partition between the Sebastians and Leonardo should be annulled and set aside on the ground of mistake. (Leonardo v. CA, G.R. No. 125485, Sept. 13, 2004)

A: There is undue influence when a person takes improper advantage of his power over the will of another, depriving the latter of a reasonable freedom of choice (Art. 1337) Q: What are the circumstances to be considered for the existence of undue influence? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Confidential, family, spiritual and other relations between the parties Mental weakness Ignorance Financial distress (Art. 1337)

Q: What are the requisites of intimidation? Note: The enumeration is not exclusive. Moral dependence, indigence, mental weakness, tender age or other handicap are some of the circumstances to consider undue influence.

A: 1.

2. 3. 4.

One of the parties is compelled to give his consent by a reasonable and well-grounded fear of an evil; The evil must be imminent and grave; It must be unjust; and The evil must be the determining cause for the party upon whom it is employed in entering into the contract. (Art. 1335)

The test to determine whether or not there is undue influence which will invalidate a contract is to determine whether or not the influence exerted has so overpowered and subjugated the mind of the contracting party as to destroy his free agency, making him express the will of another rather than his own. (Jurado, Comments and Jurisprudence on Obligations and Contracts. 2011 ed. pp. 443444)

Note: To determine the degree of the intimidation, the age, sex and condition of the person shall be borne in mind. (Art. 1335)

Q: When does fraud vitiate consent?

Q: What is the effect on the validity of a contract if consent is reluctant?

A: There is fraud when through the insidious words or machinations of one of the contracting parties, the other is induce to enter into a contract which, without them, he would not have agreed to (Art. 1338).

A: A contract is valid even though one of the parties entered into it against his wishes and desires or even against his better judgment. Contracts are also valid even though they are entered into by one of the parties without hope of advantage or profit (Martinez v. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp., GR No. L-5496, Feb. 19, 1910)

Note: Insidious words refers to a deceitful scheme or plot with an evil design, or a fraudulent purpose (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts. 2000 ed. p. 414).

Q: What are the kinds of fraud? A: 1.


204

Fraud in the perfection of the contract

CONTRACTS a. b. 2.

Causal fraud (dolo causante) Incidental fraud (dolo incidente)

Q: What are the acts not considered fraudulent? A: 1.

Fraud in the performance of an obligation (Art. 1170) Requisites: a. Fraud, insidious words or machinations must have been employed by one of the contracting parties; b. It must have been material and serious; c. It induced the other party to enter into a contract; d. It must be a deliberate intent to deceive or and induce; e. Should not have been employed by both contracting parties or by third persons; f. The victim suffered damage or injury.

2.

3.

4.

The usual exaggerations in trade, the other party had an opportunity to know the facts; are not themselves fraudulent (Art. 1340); A mere expression of an opinion does not signify fraud, unless made by an expert and the other party had relied on the former’s special knowledge (Art. 1341); Misrepresentation does not vitiate consent, unless such misrepresentation has created substantial mistake and the same is mutual (Art. 1342); and Misrepresentation made in good faith is not fraudulent but may constitute error (Art. 1337).

Q: What are the kinds of simulation of contract? Q: Distinguish dolo causante from dolo incidente A: 1.

A: DOLO CAUSANTE (ART. 1338) Refers to fraud which is serious in character It is the efficient cause which induces the party to enter into a contract Renders the contract voidable Annulment with damages

DOLO INCIDENTE (ART. 1344) Refers to fraud which is not serious in character It is not the efficient cause which induces the party to enter into a contract Does not affect the validity of the contract Contract remains valid. Remedy is claim for damages.

2.

Absolute – the contracting parties do not intend to be bound by the contract at all, thus the contract is void. (Art. 1345; Art. 1346) Relative – the contracting parties conceal their true agreement; (Art. 1345) binds the parties to their real agreement when it does not prejudice third persons or is not intended for any purpose contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order or public policy. Art. 1346) If the concealed contract is lawful, it is absolutely enforceable, provided it has all the essential requisites: consent, object, and cause. (Art. 1345; Art. 1346) As to third persons without notice, the apparent contract is valid for purposes beneficial to them. As to third persons with notice of the simulation, they acquire no better right to the simulated contract than the original parties to the same.

Q: Santos’ lease contract was about to expire but it was extended and he continued to occupy the leased premises beyond the extended term. Samson offered to buy Santos’ store and his right to the lease. Santos stated that the lease contract between him and the lessor was impliedly renewed and that formal renewal thereof would be made upon the arrival of a certain Tanya Madrigal, based on the letter to him given by the lessor. When Samson occupied the premises, he was forced to vacate for Santos’ failure to renew his lease. He filed an action for damages against Santos for fraud and bad faith claiming that the misrepresentation induced him to purchase the store and the leasehold right. Decide.

Note: If the parties state a false cause in the contract to conceal their real agreement, the contract is only relatively simulated and the parties are still bound by their real agreement. Hence, where the essential requisites of a contract are present and the simulation refers only to the content or terms of the contract, the agreement is absolutely binding and enforceable between the parties and their successors in interest. In absolute simulation, there is a colorable contract but it has no substance as the parties have no intention to be bound by it. The main characteristic of an absolute simulation is that the apparent contract is not really desired or intended to produce legal effect or in any way alter the juridical situation of the parties. As a result, an absolutely simulated or fictitious contract is void, and the parties may recover from each other what they may have given under the contract. (Heirs of Dr. Mario S. Intac and Angelina Mendoza-Intac v. CA, G.R. No. 173211, October 11, 2012)

A: No, Santos was not guilty of fraud nor bad faith in claiming that there was implied renewal of his contract of lease with his lessor. The letter given by the lessor led Santos to believe and conclude that his lease contract was impliedly renewed and that formal renewal thereof would be made upon the arrival of Tanya Madrigal. Thus, from the start, it was known to both parties that, insofar as the agreement regarding the transfer of Santos’ leasehold right to Samson was concerned, the object thereof relates to a future right. It is a conditional contract, the efficacy of which depends upon an expectancy the formal renewal of the lease contract between Santos and lessor. The efficacy of the contract between the parties was thus made dependent upon the happening of this suspensive condition. (Samson v. CA, G.R. No. 108245, Nov. 25, 1994)

Q: Tiro is a holder of an ordinary timber license issued by the Bureau of Forestry. He executed a deed of assignment in favor of the Javiers. At the time the said deed of assignment was executed, Tiro had a pending application for an additional forest concession. Hence, they entered into another agreement.

205


CIVIL LAW Afterwards, the Javiers, now acting as timber license holders by virtue of the deed of assignment entered into a forest consolidation agreement with other ordinary timber license holders. For failure of the Javiers to pay the balance due under the two deeds of assignment, Tiro filed an action against them. Are the deeds of assignment null and void for total absence of consideration and nonfulfillment of the conditions?

3. 4. 5. 6.

Future inheritance, except in cases expressly authorized by law; Services which are contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order or public policy; Impossible things or services; and Objects which are not possible of determination as to their kind. CAUSE

A: The contemporaneous and subsequent acts of Tiro and the Javiers reveal that the cause stated in the first deed of assignment is false. It is settled that the previous and simultaneous and subsequent acts of the parties are properly cognizable indicia of their true intention. Where the parties to a contract have given it a practical construction by their conduct as by acts in partial performance, such construction may be considered by the court in construing the contract, determining its meaning and ascertaining the mutual intention of the parties at the time of contracting. The first deed of assignment is a relatively simulated contract which states a false cause or consideration, or one where the parties conceal their true agreement. A contract with a false consideration is not null and void per se. Under Article 1346 of the Civil Code, a relatively simulated contract, when it does not prejudice a third person and is not intended for any purpose contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order or public policy binds the parties to their real agreement. (Javier v. CA, G.R. No. L-48194, Mar. 15, 1990)

Q: Define cause A: It is the essential and impelling reason why a party assumes an obligation. (Manresa) Q: What are the requisites of a cause? A: It must: 1. Exist; 2. Be true; and 3. Be licit. Q: What are the two presumptions in contracts as to cause? A: 1. 2.

Every contract is presumed to have a cause; and The cause is lawful.

Q: What are the kinds of causes? OBJECT A: 1.

Q: What is an object? A: It is the subject matter of the contract. It can be a thing, right or service arising from a contract.

2. 3.

Q: What are the requisites of an object? 4. A: DELiCT 1. Determinate as to kind (even if not determinate, provided it is possible to determine the same without the need of a new contract); 2. Existing or the potentiality to exist subsequent to the contract; 3. Must be Licit; 4. Within the Commerce of man; and 5. Transmissible.

Q: What is the meaning of complementary contracts construed together doctrine? A: It means that an accessory contract must be interpreted with its principal contract. The provisions must be construed together to arrive at their true meaning. Certain stipulations cannot be segregated and then made to control. This doctrine closely adheres to the spirit of Art. 1374 of the Civil Code which states that the various stipulations of a contract shall be interpreted together, attributing to the doubtful ones that sense which may result from all of them taken jointly (Spouses Rigor v. Consolidated OrixLeasing and Finance Corporation, G.R. No. 136423. August 20, 2002).

Note: The most evident and fundamental requisite in order that a thing, right or service may be the object of a contract, is that it should be in existence at the moment of the celebration of the contract, or at least, it can exist subsequently or in the future.

Q: What are the things which can be the object of contracts? A: GR: All things or services may be the object of contracts.

Q: Distinguish cause from motive.

XPNs: 1. Things outside the commerce of men (Art. 1347); 2. Intransmissible rights;


Cause of onerous contracts – the prestation or promise of a thing or service by the other. Cause of remuneratory contracts– the service or benefit remunerated. Cause of gratuitous contracts – the mere liberality of the donor or benefactor. Accessory – identical with cause of principal contract, the loan which it derived its life and existence (e.g.: mortgage or pledge)

A: CAUSE Direct and most proximate reason of a

206

MOTIVE Indirect or remote reasons

CONTRACTS contract Objective and juridical reason of contract Legality or illegality of cause affects the existence or validity of the contract Cause is always the same for each contracting party

According to their relation to other contracts: a. Preparatory Contracts – are those which have for their object the establishment of a condition in law which is necessary as a preliminary step towards the celebration of another subequent contract. (e.g. Partnership, Agency) b. Principal Contracts – are those which can subsist independently from other contracts (e.g. Sale, Lease) c. Accessory Contracts – those which can exist only as a consuquence of, or in relation with, another prior contract. (e.g. Pledge, Mortgage)

Psychological or purely personal reason Legality or illegality of motive does not affect the existence or validity of contract Motive differs for each contracting party

Q: What is the effect of the error of cause on contracts? A: 1.

2. 3.

4.

5.

Absence of cause (want of cause; there is total lack or absence of cause) – Confers no right and produces no legal effect. Failure of cause - Does not render the contract void Illegality of cause (the cause is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order and public policy)– Contract is null and void. Falsity of cause (the cause is stated but the cause is not true) – Contract is void; unless the parties show that there is another cause which is true and lawful. Lesion or inadequacy of cause –Does not invalidate the contract, unless: a. there is fraud, mistake, or undue influence; b. when the parties intended a donation or some other contract; or c. in cases specified by law (e.g. contracts entered by guardian when ward suffers lesion of more than 25% and with court approval, otherwise, if there is no approval, the contract is void regardless of the amount of lesion)

According to their perfection: a. Consensual Contracts - are those which are perfected by mere agreement or by the meeting of the minds of the parties. (e.g. Sale, Lease) b. Real Contracts – are those which require for their perfection both the consent of the parties and the delivery of the object by one party to the other. (e.g. Deposit, Pledge) According to their form: a. Common or Informal Contracts – are those which require no particular form. (e.g. Loan) b. Special or Formal Contracts – are those which require a particular form. (e.g. Donations, Chattel Mortgage) According to their purpose: a. Transfer of Ownership (e.g. Sale) b. Conveyance of Use (e.g. Usufruct, Commodatum) c. Rendition of Services (e.g. Agency)

KINDS OF CONTRACTS

According to the nature of the vinculum which they produce: a. Unilateral Contracts – are those which give rise to an obligation only to one of the parties. (e.g. Commodatum) b. Bilateral Contracts – are those which give rise to reciprocal obligations for both parties. (e.g. Sale)

Q: What are the kinds of contracts? A: 1. 2.

3.

Consensual contracts which are perfected by the mere meeting of the minds of the parties. (Art. 1305) Real contracts that require delivery for perfection – creation of real rights over immovable property must be written. Solemn contracts– contracts which must appear in writing, such as: a. Donations of real estate or of movables if the value exceeds P5,000; b. Partnership to which immovables are contributed; c. Contract of antichresis – requires the amount of principal and interest be specified; d. Sale of piece of land or interest therein is through an agent; e. Stipulation to charge interest; f. Stipulation limiting common carrier's duty of extraordinary diligence to ordinary diligence; g. Chattel mortgage; or h. Transfer of large cattle (Sec. 22, Act No. 1147; Art. 1581);

According to their cause: a. Onerous (e.g. Sale) b. Gratuitous (e.g. Commodatum) According to the risks involved: a. Commutative Contracts – are those where each of the parties acquire an equivalent of his prestation and such equivalent is pecuniarily appreciable and already determined from the moment of the perfection of the contract. (e.g. Lease) b. Aleatory Contracts – are those which are dependent upon the happening of an uncertain event, thus, charging the parties with the risk of loss or gain. (e.g. Insurance) According to their names or norms regulating them:

207


CIVIL LAW a.

Nominate Contracts – are those which have their own name and individuality, and are regulated by provisions of law. (e.g. Sale) b. Innominate Contracts – are those which lack name or individuality, and are not regulated by special provisions of law. (Jurado, Comments and Jurisprudence on Obligations and Contracts. 2011 ed. pp. 359-361)

FORMALITY Q: What are rules on the form of contracts? A: 1.

2. Q: What are the formalities required in the following contracts? A: 1.

2.

Donations: a. Personal property- if value exceeds 5,000, the donation and acceptance must both be written. (Art. 748) b. Real property: i. donation must be in a public instrument, specifying therein the property donated and value of charges which donee must satisfy. ii. acceptance must be written, either in the same deed of donation or in a separate instrument. iii. if acceptance is in a separate instrument, the donor shall be notified thereof in authentic form, and this step shall be noted in both instruments. (Art. 749)

Note: GR: Form is not required in consensual contracts. XPNs: When the law requires a contract be in writing for its: 1. validity (formal contracts); or 2. enforceability (under Statute of Frauds).

Q: What are the contracts which must appear in writing to be valid? A: 1.

2.

Partnership where real property contributed: a. there must be a public instrument regarding the partnership; b. the inventory of the realty must be made, signed by the parties and attached to the public instrument. (Art. 1773)

3.

Antichresis - the amount of the principal and interest must be in writing. (Art. 2134)

4.

Agency to sell real property or an interest therein authority of the agent must be in writing. (Art. 1874)

5.

Stipulation to charge interest - interest must be stipulated in writing. (Art. 1956)

6.

Stipulation limiting common carrier's duty of extraordinary diligence to ordinary diligence: a. must be in writing, signed by shipper or owner b. supported by valuable consideration other than the service rendered by the comon carrier c. reasonable, just and not contrary to public policy. (Art. 1744)

7.

3.

3. 4.

Donation of personal property whose value exceeds five thousand pesos (Art. 748) – the donation and acceptance must be in writing Sale of a piece of land or any interest therein through an agent (Art. 1874) – the authority of the agent shall appear in writing Agreements regarding payment of interest in contracts of loan (Art. 1956) Antichresis (Art. 2134) – the amount of the principal and the interest shall be specified in writing (Jurado, Comments and Jurisprudence on Obligations and Contracts. 2011 ed. p. 481)

Q: What are the contracts which must appear in a public document? A: 1. 2.

3.

4.

Chattel mortgage - personal property must be recorded in the Chattel Mortgage Register. (Art. 2140)

5.

6.


Contracts shall be obligatory, in whatever form they may have been entered into, provided all essential requisites for their validity are present. Contracts must be in a certain form –when the law requires that a contract be in some form to be: a. valid; b. enforceable; or c. for the convenience of the parties. The parties may compel each other to reduce the verbal agreement into writing.

208

Donation of real properties (Art. 719); Partnership where immoveable property or real rights are contributed to the common fund (Arts. 1171 & 1773); Acts and contracts which have for their object the creation, transmission, modification or extinguishment of real rights over immovable property; sales of real property or of an interest therein is governed by Arts. 1403, No. 2, and 1405 [Art. 1358 (1)]; The cession, repudiation or renunciation of hereditary rights or of those of the conjugal partnership of gains [Art. 1358 (2)] The power to administer property or any other power which has for its object an act appearing or which should appear in a public document or should prejudice a third person [Art. 1358 (3)]; The cession of actions or rights proceeding from an act appearing in a public document [Art. 1358 (4)].

CONTRACTS Q: What are contracts that must be registered? A: 1.

that the property is sold absolutely or with a right of repurchase (Art. 1365).

Chattel mortgages (Art. 2140)

Q: In what cases is reformation of instruments not allowed?

Note: In accordance with Article 2125 of the Civil Code, an unregistered chattel mortgage is a valid and binding between the parties because registration is necessary only for the purpose of binding third persons (Filipinas Marble Corporation v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No. L68010, 1986).

2.

A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Sale or transfer of large cattle (Cattle Registration Act)

Q: What is the prescriptive period in reformation of instruments?

REFORMATION Q: What is reformation of instruments?

A: 10 years from the date of the execution of the instrument (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p.483)

A: It is a remedy to conform to the real intention of the parties due to mistake, fraud, inequitable conduct, accident (Art. 1359).

Q: Who may ask for the reformation of an instrument?

Note: Reformation is based on justice and equity (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p.469).

A: It may be ordered at the instance of: 1. if the mistake is mutual – either party or his successors in interest; otherwise; 2. upon petition of the injured party; or 3. his heirs and assigns.

Q: What are the requisites in reformation of instruments? A: 1. 2. 3.

Meeting of the minds to the contract True intention is not expressed in the instrument By reason of: (MARFI) a. Mistake, b. Accident, c. Relative simulation, d. Fraud, or e. Inequitable conduct f. Clear and convincing proof of MARFI.

Note: When one of the parties has brought an action to enforce the instrument, no subsequent reformation can be asked (estoppel) (Art. 1367)

Q: In case of reformation of contracts, is the prescription period in bringing an action for reformation run from the time the contract became disadvantageous to one party? A: In reformation of contracts, what is reformed is not the contract itself, but the instrument embodying the contract. It follows that whether the contract is disadvantageous or not is irrelevant to reformation and therefore, cannot be an element in the determination of the period for prescription of the action to reform. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p.469)

Note: When there is no meeting of the minds, the proper remedy is annulment and not reformation (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p.471).

Q: In what cases is reformation of instrument allowed? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Simple, unconditional donations inter vivos Wills When the agreement is void When an action to enforce the instrument is filed (estoppel).

When a mutual mistake of the parties causes the failure of the instrument to disclose their agreement. (Art. 1361) When one party was mistaken and the other acted fraudulently or inequitably in such a way that the instrument does not show their true intention, the former may ask for the reformation of the instrument (Art. 1362) When one party was mistaken and the other knew or believed that the instrument did not state their real agreement, but concealed that fact from the former (Art. 1363). When through the ignorance, lack of skill, negligence or bad faith on the part of the person drafting the instrument or of the clerk or typist, the instrument does not express the true intention of the parties (Art. 1364). If the parties agree upon the mortgage or pledge of real or personal property, but the instrument states

209


CIVIL LAW DEFECTIVE CONTRACTS RESCISSIBLE

VOIDABLE

UNENFORCEABLE

VOID

Defect is caused by injury/damage either to one of the parties or rd to a 3 person

Defect is caused by vices of consent

Defect is caused by lack of form, authority or capacity of both parties

Defect is caused by illegality

Curable by prescription



Not Curable prescription

INEXISTENT Defect is cause by lack of the essential requisites of contract (consent, object, cause) Not curable by prescription

Binding unless rescinded

Binding until annulled

Binding unless the defect is raised against enforcement

Not binding

Not binding

Note: Inexistent contracts are not perfected contracts. Rescissible, voidable, unenforceable and void contracts are perfected contracts. Rescissible, voidable, and unenforceable contracts are valid and binding unless otherwise declared by the court upon a petition commenced for such purpose or upon being raised as a defense. Rescissible and voidable contracts are valid, binding and enforceable unless otherwise declared by the court upon a petition commenced for such purpose or upon being raised as a defense.

BASIC DISTINCTIONS BASIS

RESCISSIBLE

VOIDALBE

UNENFORCEABLE

Origin of the defect

Economic damage or lesion; declaration by law

Incapacity of one of parties to give consent or vitiated consent

Entered without authority or in excess thereof; non-compliance with Statute of Frauds; incapacity of both parties to give consent

rd

Damage/ prejudice Legal effect Remedy/ action Nature of action Who can file the action Susceptibility of ratification Susceptibility prescription

One of parties or 3 person Valid & legally enforceable until judicially rescinded Rescission or rescissory action Must be a direct action Contracting party; XPN: CRs who are defrauded Yes, but not of ratification proper

Action for rescission prescribes after 4 years

VOID and INEXISTENT Illegality (void) or absence of any of essential requisites of a contract (inexistent)

To other party not necessary Valid & legally enforceable until judicially annulled Annulment of contract

Not necessary

Not necessary

Inoperative until ratified; not enforceable in court without proper ratification

None

Direct action needed

Indirect attack allowed

Contracting party

Must be contracting party

Yes

Yes

No

Action for annulment prescribes after 4 years

Action for recovery; specific performance or damages prescribes (10 years if basis written contract; 6 years if unwritten)

Action for declaration of nullity or putting of defense of nullity does not prescribe

Just a personal defense

Declaration of nullity of contract Attacked directly or indirectly rd 3 persons cannot unless interest are directly affected

RESCISSIBLE CONTRACTS A: 1. 2.

Q: What are rescissible contracts? A: Those contracts validly agreed upon but have caused a particular economic damage or lesion either to one of the parties or to a third person and which may be set aside even if valid. It may be set aside in whole or in part, to the extent of the damage caused (Art. 1381)

3. 4. 5.

Those contracts have all the essential requisites but may be set aside by reason of damage or injury to third pesons. Q: What are the characteristics of rescissible contract? UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

It has all the elements of a valid contract; It has the defect consisting in an injury to one of the contracting parties or third person, generally in the form of economic damage or lesion, fraud, and alienation of the property. It is valid and effective until rescinded; It can be attacked only directly. It is susceptible of convalidation only by prescription (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 513)

Q: Which contracts are rescissible?

210

CONTRACTS 6. A: 1.

Entered into by persons exercising fiduciary capacity: a. Entered into by guardians whenever the wards whom they represent suffer lesion by more than ¼ of value of the property [Art. 1381(1)];

7.

Transfer is made between father and son, where there are present some or any of the above circumstances; and Failure of the vendee to take exclusive possession of the property. (Oria v. McMicking, 21 Phil. 243)

Q: Distinguish resolution from rescission. Note: Contracts entered by a guardian over the property of his ward, without court approval is void, not merely rescissible regardless of the existence of lesion

b.

c.

d.

e. f.

2.

A: RESOLUTION RESCISSION (ART. 1191) (ARTICLE 1381) Both presuppose contracts validly entered into and subsisting and both require mutual restitution when proper Nature Principal action. retaliatory Subsidiary remedy in character Grounds for Rescission 5 grounds under Art. 1381. Only ground is non(lesions or fraud of creditors) performance of obligation Non-performance is not important Applicability Applies only to reciprocal Applies to both unilateral obligations and reciprocal obligations Person who can Initiate the Action Even third persons Only the injured party who is prejudiced by the contract a party to the contract may bring the action Fixing of Period by the Court Court may fix a period or grant extension of time for the fulfillment of the Court cannot grant obligation when there is extension of time sufficient reason to justify such extension Purpose Reparation for damage or injury, allowing partial rescission of contract Cancellation of the contract (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., pp. 514515)

Agreed upon in representation of absentees, if absentee suffers lesion by more than ¼ of value of property [Art. 1381(2)]; Contracts where rescission is based on fraud committed on creditor and cannot collect the claim due (accion pauliana) [Art. 1381(3)]; Objects of litigation; contract entered into by defendant without knowledge or approval of litigants or judicial authority [Art. 1381(4)]; Payment by an insolvent – on debts which are not yet due; prejudices claim of others; (Art. 1382) Provided for by law (Arts. 1526, 1534, 1538, 1539, 1542, 1556, 1560, 1567 & 1659)

Payments made in state of insolvency: a. Plaintiff has no other means to maintain reparation; b. Plaintiff must be able to return whatever he may be obliged to return due to rescission; c. The things must not have been passed to third persons in good faith; d. It must be made within 4 yrs.

Q: What are the requisites before a contract entered into in fraud of creditors may be rescinded? A: 1. 2.

3. 4.

There must be credit existing prior to the celebration of the contract; There must be fraud, or at least, the intent to commit fraud to the prejudice of the creditor seeking rescission; The creditor cannot in any legal manner collect his credit (subsidiary character of rescission); and The object of the contract must not be legally in possession of a third person in good faith.

Note: While Article 1191 uses the term “rescission,” the original term which was used in the old Civil Code, from which the article was based, was “resolution.” (Ong v. CA, G.R. No. 97347, July 6, 1999)

Q: What are the badges of fraud attending sales, as determined by the courts? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Q: What is the obligation created by the rescission of the contract? A: Mutual restitution of things which are the objects of the contract and their fruits and of the price with interest.

Consideration of the conveyance is inadequate or fictitious; Transfer was made by a debtor after a suit has been begun and while it is pending against him Sale upon credit by an insolvent debtor; The presence of evidence of large indebtedness or complete insolvency of the debtor; Transfer of all his property by a debtor when he is financially embarrassed or insolvent;

Q: When is mutual restitution not applicable? A: 1. 2.

211

Creditor did not receive anything from contract; or Thing already in possession of third persons in good faith; subject to indemnity only, if there are two or more alienations – liability of first infractor.


CIVIL LAW Note: Rescission is possible only when the person demanding rescission can return whatever he may be obliged to restore. A court of equity will not rescind a contract unless there is restitution, that is, the parties are restored to the status quo ante (Article 1385).

rescission creates the obligation to return the things which were the object of the contract together with their fruits and interest. Therefore, by virtue of the extrajudicial rescission of the contract to sell by Goldenrod without opposition from Barretto Realty, which in turn, sold the property to other persons, Barretto Realty, had the obligation to return the earnest money which formed part of the purchase price plus legal interest from the date it received notice of rescission. It would be most inequitable if Barretto Realty would be allowed to retain the money at the same time appropriate the proceeds of the second sale made to another. (Goldenrod, Inc. v. CA, G.R. No. 126812, Nov. 24, 1998)

Q: Reyes (seller) and Lim (buyer) entered into a contract to sell a parcel of land. Harrison Lumber occupied the property as lessee. Reyes offered to return the P10 million downpayment to Lim because Reyes was having problems in removing the lessee from the property. Lim rejected Reyes’ offer. Lim learned that Reyes had already sold the property to another. Both Reyes and Lim are now seeking rescission of the contract to sell. However, Reyes does not want to deposit the 10M to the court because according to him, he has the “right to use, possess and enjoy” of the money as its owner before the contract to sell is rescinded. Is Reyes’ contention correct?

What is the prescriptive period of action for rescission? A: 1. 2.

A: No. There is also no plausible or justifiable reason for Reyes to object to the deposit of the P10 million downpayment in court. The contract to sell can no longer be enforced because Reyes himself subsequently sold the property. Both Lim and Reyes are seeking for rescission of the contract. By seeking rescission, a seller necessarily offers to return what he has received from the buyer. Such a seller may not take back his offer if the court deems it equitable, to prevent unjust enrichment and ensure restitution, to put the money in judicial deposit.

3.

Under Art. 1381, no.1 – within 4 years from the time the termination of the incapacity of the ward; Under Art. 1381, no. 2- within 4 years from the time the domicile of the absentee is known; or Under Art. 1381, nos. 3 & 4 & Art. 1382 – within 4 years from the time of the discovery of fraud. VOIDABLE CONTRACTS

Q: What are voidable contracts? A: Voidable contracts are those where consent is vitiated either by the incapacity of one of the contracting parties or by mistake, violence, intimidation, undue influence or fraud. These contracts are binding, unless they are annulled by a proper action in court. It is susceptible of ratification. (Art. 1390)

Note: In this case, it was just, equitable and proper for the trial court to order the deposit of the down payment to prevent unjust enrichment by Reyes at the expense of Lim. Depositing the down payment in court ensure its restitution to its rightful owner. Lim, on the other hand, has nothing to refund, as he has not received anything under the contract to sell (Reyes v. Lim, Keng and Harrison Lumber, Inc., G.R. No. 134241, Aug. 11, 2003).

Note: Annulment may be had even if there be no damage to the contracting parties.

Q: What are the two general classes of voidable contracts? Q: Goldenrod offered to buy a mortgaged property owned by Barreto Realty to which it paid an earnest money amounting to P1 million. It was agreed upon that Goldenrod would pay the outstanding obligations of Barreto Realty with UCPB. However, Goldenrod did not pay UCPB because of the banks denial of its request for the extension to pay the obligation. Thereafter, Goldenrod, through its brocker, informed Barreto Realty that it could not go through with the purchase of the property and also demanded the refund of the earnest money it paid. In the absence of a specific stipulation, may the seller of real estate unilaterally rescind the contract and as a consequence keep the earnest money to answer for damages in the event the sale fails due to the fault of the prospective buyer?

A: 1.

Note: If both parties are incapacitated to give consent, the contract is unenforceable, not voidable

2.

Those where the consent is vitiated by mistake, violence, intimidation, undue influence or fraud. (Art. 1390)

Q: What are the characteristics of a voidable contract? A: 1. 2.

A: No. Goldenrod and Barretto Realty did not intend that the earnest money or advance payment would be forfeited when the buyer should fail to pay the balance of the price, especially in the absence of a clear and express agreement thereon.

3. 4.

Moreover, Goldenrod resorted to extrajudicial rescission of its agreement with Barretto Realty. Under Article 1385, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Those where one of the parties is incapable of giving consent; and

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Effective until set aside; May be assailed or attacked only in an action for that purpose; Can be confirmed; and Can be assailed only by the party whose consent was defective or his heirs or assigns.

CONTRACTS Q: What are the causes of extinction of action to annul? A: 1.

value of the thing at the time of the loss, with interest from the same date (Art. 1400).

Prescription – the action for annulment must be commenced within 4 years from the time the: a. incapacity ends; b. guardianship ceases; c. violence, intimidation or undue influence ends; or d. mistake or fraud is discovered (Art. 1391)

Q: What is the prescriptive period for an annulment of a voidable contract? A: The action for annulment shall be brought within four years. This period shall begin:  In cases of intimidation, violence or undue influence, from the time the defect of the consent ceases.  In case of mistake or fraud, from the time of the discovery of the same.  And when the action refers to contracts entered into by minors or other incapacitated persons, from the time the guardianship ceases. (Art. 1391)

Note: If the action has prescribed, the contract can no longer be set aside (Villanueva v. Villanueva, 91 Phil 43).

2.

Ratification–cleanses the contract of its defects from the moment it was constituted (Art. 1396) It extinguishes the action to annul a voidable contract (Art. 1392).

3.

By loss of the thing which is the object of the contract through fraud or fault of the person who is entitled to annul the contract (Art. 1401)

Q: What is confirmation?

Note: If the right of action is based upon the incapacity of any one of the contracting parties, the loss of the thing shall not be an obstacle to the success of the action, unless it took place through the fraud or fault of the plaintiff (Art. 1401)

A: It is an act by which a voidable contract is cured of its vice or defect (Luna v. Linatoc, 74 Phil. 15) Q: What is recognition?

Q: Who may institute action for annulment? A: It is an act whereby a defect of proof is cured such as when an oral contract is put into writing or when a private instrument is converted into a public instrument (Luna v. Linatoc, 74 Phil. 15)

A: By all who are thereby obliged principally or subsidiarily. Note: He who has capacity to contract may not invoke the incapacity of the party with whom he has contracted nor can those who exerted intimidation, violence or undue influence or employed fraud or caused mistake base their action upon these flaws of the contract.

Q: What is ratification? A: It is the act or means by virtue of which efficacy is given to a contract which suffers from a vice of curable nullity (Manresa)

Q: What are the effects of annulment? A: 1. 2.

If contract not yet consummated – parties shall be released from the obligations arising therefrom. If contract has already been consummated – rules provided in Arts. 1398-1402, shall govern. a. Restitution

Note: Ratification extinguishes the action to annul a voidable contract (Art. 1392)

GR: Mutual restitution. – the contracting parties shall restore to each other things which have been the subject matter of the contract, with their fruits and the price with its interest except in case provided by law. In an obligation to render services, the value thereof shall be the basis for damages. (Art. 1398)

It is a voidable contract; Person ratifying must know the reason for the contract being voidable; Cause must not exist or continue to exist anymore at the time of ratification; It must be made expressly or by an act implying a waiver of the action to annul; and The person ratifying it must be the injured party.

Q: What are the requisites of ratification? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

XPN: No restitution. – the incapacity of one of the parties, the incapacitated person is not obliged to make any restitution except insofar as he has been benefited by the thing or the price received by him. (Art. 1399) b.

Q: What are the kinds of ratification? A: 1.

Whenever the person obliged by the decree of annulment to return the thing cannot do so because it has been lost through his fault, he shall return the fruits received and the

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Express –the desire of the innocent party to convalidate the contract, or his waiver or renunciation of his right to annul the contract is clearly manifested verbally or formally in writing (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed. p. 552)


CIVIL LAW 2.

Implied (tacit) – it is the knowledge of the reason which renders the contract voidable and such reason having ceased, the person who has a right to invoke it should execute an act which necessarily implies an intention to waive his right (Art. 1393).

UNENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS Q: What are unenforceable contracts? A: Those contracts which cannot be enforced by action or complaint, unless they have been ratified by the party or parties who did not give consent.

Q: Who may ask for ratification of contract entered into by the incapacitated person?

Q: What are the kinds of unenforceable contracts? A: Ratification may be effected by the guardian of the incapacitated person (Art. 1394)

A: The following contracts are unenforceable unless they are ratified: 1. Those entered into the name of another person by one who has been given no authority or legal representation or who acted beyond his powers;

Note: Art. 1394 does not refer to a rescissible contract entered into by the guardian in behalf of his ward.

Q: Does retroactivity apply in ratification of contracts?

Note: A contract of sale over a piece of land entered by an agent whose authority is not in writing, even if he acted beyond teh scope of his authority is void, not merely unenforceable (Art. 1874).

A: GR: Yes. Ratification cleanses the contract from all its defects from the moment it was constituted. (Art. 1396) XPN: Rights of innocent third person must not be prejudiced.

2. 3.

Note: Ratification does not require the conformity of the contracting party who has no right to bring the action for annulment.

Those that do not comply with the Statute of Frauds; and Those where both parties are incapable of giving consent to a contract. (Art. 1403)

Q: What are the characteristics of unenforceable contract? Q: Distinguish voidable contract from rescissible contract. A: 1. 2. 3.

A: VOIDABLE Defect is intrinsic.

It vitiates consent.

Damage is immaterial. Annulability of the contract is based on law. Public interest predominates. Susceptible of ratification. It is a sanction. Only parties to the contract can assail it.

It is a principal action.

RESCISSIBLE Defect is external It consist damage or prejudice suffered by one of the contracting parties or a third person. No damage or prejudice, contract cannot be rescissible. Rescissibility of the contract is based on equity. Private interest predominates. Not susceptible of ratification. It is not a sanction but a remedy. Third persons who are affected may file the action It is a subsidiary action. (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 546)


It cannot be enforced by a proper action in court; It may be ratified; it cannot be assailed by third person.

Q: What is Statute of Frauds? A: The term "Statute of Frauds" [Article 1403, (2)] is descriptive of statutes which require certain classes of contracts to be in writing. It requires certain contracts enumerated therein to be evidenced by some note or memorandum subscribed by the party charged or by his agent in order to be enforceable. The Statute does not deprive the parties of the right to contract with respect to the matters therein involved, but merely regulates the formalities of the contract necessary to render it enforceable. Evidence of the agreement cannot be received without the writing or a secondary evidence of its contents (Swedish Match, AB v. CA, G.R. No. 128120, Oct. 20, 2004). Note: The Statute of Frauds applies only to executory contracts, not to those that are partially or completely fulfilled. Where a contract of sale is alleged to be consummated, it matters not that neither the receipt for the consideration nor the sale itself was in writing. Oral evidence of the alleged consummated sale is not forbidden by the Statute of Frauds and may not be excluded in court (Victoriano v. CA, G.R. No. 87550, Feb. 11, 1991).

Q: Cenido, as an heir of Aparato and claiming to be the owner of a house and lot, filed a complaint for ejectment against spouses Apacionado. On the other hand, spouses Apacionado allege that they are the owners which are unregistered purchased by them from its previous owner, Aparato. Their claim is anchored on a 1-page typewritten document entitled "Pagpapatunay," executed by Aparato.

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CONTRACTS Is the “Pagpapatunay” entered into by Bonifacio and spouse Apacionado valid and enforceable?

Q: What is the purpose of the Statute of Frauds? A: It is to prevent fraud and perjury in the enforcement of obligations depending for their evidence on the unassisted memory of witnesses, by requiring certain enumerated contracts and transactions to be evidenced by a writing signed by the party to be charged (Swedish Match, AB v. CA, G.R. No. 128120, Oct. 20, 2004)

A: It is valid and enforceable. Generally, contracts are obligatory, in whatever form such contracts may have been entered into, provided all the essential requisites for their validity are present. When, however, the law requires that a contract be in some form for it to be valid or enforceable, that requirement must be complied with.

Q: What are the fundamental principles governing Statute of Frauds?

The sale of real property should be in writing and subscribed by the party charged for it to be enforceable. The "Pagpapatunay" is in writing and subscribed by Aparato, hence, it is enforceable under the Statute of Frauds. Not having been subscribed and sworn to before a notary public, however, the "Pagpapatunay" is not a public document, and therefore does not comply with par. 1, Art. 1358.

A: 1. 2.

3. Moreover, the requirement of a public document in Article 1358 is not for the validity of the instrument but for its efficacy. Although a conveyance of land is not made in a public document, it does not affect the validity of such conveyance. The private conveyance of the house and lot is therefore valid between Aparato and the spouses. For greater efficacy of the contract, convenience of the parties and to bind third persons, respondent spouses have the right to compel the vendor or his heirs to execute the necessary document to properly convey the property (Cenidon v. Spouses Apacionado, G.R. No. 132474, Nov. 19, 1999)

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9.

Q: What are the contracts or agreements covered by the Statute of Frauds? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

6.

It only applies to executory contracts and not partially or completely executed. It cannot apply if the action is neither for damages because of violation of an agreement nor for the specific performance of said agreement. It is exclusive as it applies only to the agreements or contracts enumerated in Art. 1403. The defense of Statute of Frauds may be waived It is a personal defense, it cannot be assailed by third persons. Contracts infringing the Statute of Frauds are not void; they are merely unenforceable. It is a Rule of Exclusion as it excludes oral testimony. It does not determine the credibility or weight of evidence. It merely concerns itself with the admissibility. It does not apply if the claim is that the contract does not express the true agreement of the parties. (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, Vol. IV, 2008 ed., pp.790-791)

Q: When is ratification of an unenforceable contract available? An agreement that by its terms is not to be performed within a year from the making thereof; A special promise to answer for the debt, default or miscarriage of another; An agreement made in consideration of marriage, other than a mutual promise to marry; An agreement for the sale of goods, chattels or things in action, at a price not less than 500 pesos, unless the buyer accepts and receives part of such goods and chattels, or the evidences, or some of them, of such things in action, or pay at the time some part of the purchase money; but when a sale is made by an auction and entry is made by the auctioneer in his sales book, at the time of the sale, of the amount and kind of property sold, terms of sale, price, names of the purchasers and person on whose account the sale is made, it is a sufficient memorandum; An agreement for the leasing for a longer period than one year, or for the sale of real property or of an interest therein; A representation as to the credit of a third person. (Art. 1403)

A: 1.

A contract entered into in the name of another by one who has no authority or legal representation or who acted beyond his powers shall be unenforceable, unless it is ratified expressly or impliedly, by the person on whose behalf it has been executed, before it is revoked by the other contracting party. (Art. 1317)

2.

Contracts infringing the Statute of Frauds are ratified: a. by failure to object to the representation of oral evidence to prove the same; or b. by the acceptance of benefits under them. (Art. 1317)

3.

In a contract where both parties are incapable of giving consent, express or implied ratification by the parents or guardian, as the case may be, of one of the contracting parties, or one of the contracting parties upon attaining capacity, shall give the contract the same effect as if only one of them is incapacitated. Hence, the contract becomes voidable and the rules on voidable contracts should govern.

Note: The enumeration is exclusive.

If the ratification is made by the parents or guardians as the case may be, of both contracting parties, or both of the contracting parties upon attaining

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CIVIL LAW capacity, the contract shall be validated from the inception. (Jurado, Comments and Jurisprudence on Obligations and Contracts. 2011 ed. p. 572)

3.

4. Q: What are the two ways of ratifying contracts which infringe the Statute of Frauds? 5. A: 1.

2.

Failure to object during the trial to the admissibility of parol evidence to support a contract covered by the Statute of Frauds. Acceptance of benefits – when the contract has been partly executed because estoppel sets in by accepting performance.

6.

XPN: In case of pari delicto since it will refuse legal remedy to either party to an illegal agreement and leaves them to where they were. Hence, if a void contract is already executed, neither of the parties can recover from each other.

VOID and INEXISTENT CONTRACTS Q: What are void contracts? A: Void contracts are those which have no force and effect from the beginning and which cannot be ratified or validated by lapse of time (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed., p. 598)

Q: Judie sold one-half of their lot to Guiang under a deed of transfer of rights without the consent and over the objection of his wife, Gilda and just after the latter left for abroad. When Gilda returned home and found that only her son, Junie, was staying in their house. She then gathered her other children, Joji and Harriet and went to stay in their house. For staying in their alleged property, the spouses Guiang complained before the barangay authorities for trespassing.

Q: What are the kinds of void contracts? A: 1.

2.

3.

Those lacking in essential elements: a. Those whose cause, object or purpose is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order or public policy: illicit cause, or object. b. Those which are absolutely simulated or fictitious: no cause c. Those whose cause or object did not exist at the time of the transaction: no cause or object d. Those whose object is outside the commerce of man: no object e. Those which contemplate an impossible service: no object f. Those where the intention of parties relative to principal object of the contract cannot be ascertained Contracts prohibited by law a. Pactum commisorium – the creditor appropriates to himself the things given by way of pledge or mortgage to fulfill the debt b. Pactum de non alienando – an agreement prohibiting the owner from alienating the mortgaged immovable c. Pactum leonina – a stipulation in a partnership agreement which excludes one or more partners from any share in the profits or losses Illegal or illicit contracts(e.g. contract to sell marijuana)

Is the deed of transfer of rights executed by Judie Corpuz and the spouses Guiang void or voidable? A: It is void. Gilda’s consent to the contract of sale of their conjugal property was totally inexistent or absent. Thus, said contract properly falls within the ambit of Article 124 of the FC. The particular provision in the old Civil Code which provides a remedy for the wife within 10 years during the marriage to annul the encumbrance made by the husband was not carried over to the Family Code. It is thus clear that any alienation or encumbrance made after the Family Code took effect by the husband of the conjugal partnership property without the consent of the wife is null and void (Spouses Guiangv.CA, G.R. No. 125172, June 26, 1998). Q: On July 6, 1976, Honorio and Vicente executed a deed of exchange. Under this instrument, Vicente agreed to convey his 64.22-square-meter lot to Honorio, in exchange for a 500-square-meter property. The contract was entered into without the consent of Honorio’s wife. Is the deed of exchange null and void? A: The deed is valid until and unless annulled. The deed was entered into on July 6, 1976, while the Family Code took effect only on August 3, 1998. Laws should be applied prospectively only, unless a legislative intent to give them retroactive effect is expressly declared or is necessarily implied from the language used. Hence, the provisions of the Civil Code, not the Family Code are applicable. According to Article 166 of the Civil Code, the husband cannot alienate or encumber any real property of the

Q: Cite some characteristics of void and inexistent contracts A: 1. 2.

It cannot be ratified. (Art. 1409) The right to set up the defense of illegality cannot be waived. (Art. 1409) UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

The action or defense for the declaration of the inexistence of a contract does not prescribe. (Art. 1410) The defense of illegality of contracts is not available to third persons whose interests are not directly affected. (Art. 1421) A contract which is the direct result of a previous illegal contract is also void and inexistent. (Art. 1422) As a general rule, they produce no legal effect whatsoever in accordance with the principle “quod nullum est nullum producit effectum”. (Jurado, Comments and Jurisprudence on Obligations and Contracts. 2011 ed. p. 579)

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CONTRACTS conjugal partnership without the wife’s consent. This provision, however, must be read in conjunction with Article 173 of the same Code. The latter states that an action to annul an alienation or encumbrance may be instituted by the wife during the marriage and within ten years from the transaction questioned. Hence, the lack of consent on her part will not make the husband’s alienation or encumbrance of real property of the conjugal partnership void, but merely voidable. (Villarandav. Villaranda, G.R. No. 153447, Feb. 23, 2004)

the contract itself

Nullity is a matter of law and public interest No legal effects even if no action is filed to set it aside Action to declare its nullity does not prescribe (Art. 1410)

Q: Distinguish void contract from inexistent contract A: VOID CONTRACT Those where all the requisites of a contract are present, but the cause, object or purpose is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order or public policy or the contract itself is prohibited or declared prohibited. Principle of in pari delicto is applicable.

INEXISTENT CONTRACT

Q: Distinguish void contract from unenforceable contract. Those where one or some of the requisites which are essential for validity are absolutely lacking

A: VOID No contract at all. It is not subject to ratification. It can be easily assailed by third persons whose interests are directly affected.

Principle of in pari delicto Is not applicable.

Q: Distinguish void contract from voidable contract A: VOID Absence of essential element/s of a contract No effect even if not set aside Cannot be ratified Nullity can be set up against any person asserting right arising from it, and his successors in interest not protected by law Action to declare nullity does not prescribe Defense may be availed of by anybody, whether he is a party to the contract or not as long as his interest is directly affected. (Art. 1421)

either against one of the parties or a third person Based on equity and matter of private interest Produces legal effects and remains valid if no action is filed Action to rescind prescribes within 4 years (Art. 1389; Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 605)

VOIDABLE Consent is vitiated or there is incapacity to give consent Valid contract until set aside Can be ratified

UNENFORCEABLE There is contract but which cannot be enforced. It is subject to ratification. It cannot be assailed by third persons.

EFFECT OF CONTRACTS Q: Between whom do contracts take effect? A: Contracts take effect only between the parties, and their assigns and heirs, the latter being liable only to the extent of the property received from the decedent. (Art. 1311) Q: What are the instances when the heirs may be liable for the obligation contracted by the decedent?

Nullity can be set up only against a party thereto

A: When the rights and obligations arising from the contract are transmissible: 1. By their nature; or 2. By stipulation; or 3. By provision of law. (Art. 1311)

Action to annul contract prescribes in 4 years (Pineda, Obligations and Contracts, 2000 ed, p. 606) Defense may be invoked only by the parties (those principally and subsidiarily liable) or their successors in interest and privies

Q: What are the requisites in order that a third person may demand the fulfillment of the contract? A: 1. 2. 3.

The contracting parties must have clearly and deliberately conferred a favor upon the third person; The third person’s interest or benefit in such fulfillment must not be merely incidental; and Such third person communicated his acceptance to the obligor before the stipulations in his favor are revoke.

Q: Distinguish void contract from rescissible contract A: VOID Defect is inherent in

RESCISSIBLE Defect is in its effects,

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CIVIL LAW SALES Q: When is a sale absolute? DEFINITION AND ESSENTIAL REQUISITES OF A CONTRACT OF SALE

A: A sale is absolute when no condition is imposed and ownership passes to the vendee upon delivery of the thing subject of the sale.

Q: What is a contract of sale? A: By the contract of sale, one of the contracting parties obligates himself to transfer the ownership of and to deliver a determinate thing, and the other to pay therefor a price certain in money or its equivalent. (Art. 1458, NCC)

Q: When is a deed of sale considered absolute in nature? A: A deed of sale is considered absolute in nature where there is neither a stipulation in the deed that title to the property sold is reserved in the seller until the full payment of the price, nor one giving the vendor the right to unilaterally resolve the contract the moment the buyer fails to pay within a fixed period.

Note: Gross inadequacy of price does not affect a contract of sale, except as it may indicate a defect in the consent, or that the parties really intended a donation or some other act or contract (Art. 1470)

Q: What are the different kinds of sales?

Q: When is a sale conditional?

A: As to: 1. Nature of the subject matter: a. Sale of real property; b. Sale of personal property 2. Value of the things exchanged: a. Commutative sale; b. Aleatory sale 3. Whether the object is tangible or intangible: a. Sale of property (tangible or corporeal);

A: It is conditional where the sale contemplates a contingency, and in general, where the contract is subject to certain conditions, usually in the case of the vendee, the full payment of the agreed purchase price and in the case of the vendor, the fulfillment of certain warranties. (De Leon, p. 15) Q: Distinguish a conditional sale from an absolute sale A:

Note: A tangible object is also called chose in possession

b.

CONDITIONAL SALE One where the seller is granted the right to unilaterally rescind the contract predicated on the fulfillment or nonfulfillment, as the case may be, of the prescribed condition.

Sale of a right (assignment of a right, or a credit or other intangibles such as copyright, trademark, or good will);

Note: An intangible object is a chose in action.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Validity or defect of the transaction: a. Valid b. Rescissible c. Voidable d. Unenforceable e. Void Legality of the object: a. Licit object b. Illicit object Presence or absence of conditions: a. Absolute b. Conditional Wholesale or retail: a. Wholesale b. Retail Proximate inducement for the sale: a. Sale by description b. Sale by sample c. Sale by description and sample When the price is tendered: a. Cash sale b. Sale on installment plan

ABSOLUTE SALE One where the title to the property is not reserved to the seller or if the seller is not granted the right to rescind the contract based on the fulfillment or nonfulfillment, as the case may be, of the prescribed condition.

Q: What is the effect of the non-performance of the condition or if the condition did not take place? A: Where the obligation of either party to a contract of sale is subject to any condition which is not performed, such party may refuse to proceed with the contract or he may waive performance of the condition. Unlike in a nonfulfillment of a warranty which would constitute a breach of the contract, the non-happening of the condition, although it may extinguish the obligation upon which it is based, generally does not amount to a breach of a contract of sale. Q: When is a conditional sale considered an absolute sale? A: A deed of sale is absolute in nature although denominated a “conditional sale” absent such stipulations reserving title to the vendor until full payment of the purchase price, nor any stipulation giving them the right to unilaterally rescind the contract in case of non-payment. Q: A contract of sale of a lot stipulates that the "payment of the full consideration based on a survey shall be due


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SALES and payable in 5 years from the execution of a formal deed of sale". Is this a conditional contract of sale?

time of perfection is not required. A was able to deliver the car in the absence of the knowledge of B. Later, C sold the car to D. B now comes to Court to ask for annulment of the sale made by C to D on the principle of nemo dat quod non habet. Since, A, the first seller was not able to transfer ownership to C because he was not the owner at the time of delivery, then C cannot also transfer ownership to D (Tsai v. CA).

A: No, it is not. The stipulation is not a condition which affects the efficacy of the contract of sale. It merely provides the manner by which the full consideration is to be computed and the time within which the same is to be paid. But it does not affect in any manner the effectivity of the contract (Heirs of San Andres v. Rodriguez, G.R. No. 135634, May 31, 2000).

Q: Jose, as co-owner, sold the entire land in favor of his minor daughter, Ida. Alleging that Jose had fraudulently registered it in his name alone, his sisters, sued him for recovery of 2/3 share of the property. Ida did not pay for the land. Is the sale valid?

Q: What are the elements of a contract of sale? A: ANE 1.

2.

3.

Accidental elements – dependent on parties’ stipulations; Examples: a. Conditions b. Interest c. time & place of payment d. penalty Natural elements – those that are inherent even in absence of contrary provision. E.g. warranties Essential elements – for validity: a. Consent b. Determinate subject matter c. Consideration

A: No. Jose did not have the right to transfer ownership of the entire property to petitioner since 2/3 thereof belonged to his sisters. Also, Ida could not have given her consent to the contract, being a minor at the time. Consent of the contracting parties is among the essential requisites of a contract, including one of sale, absent which there can be no valid contract. Moreover, Ida admittedly did not pay any centavo for the property, which makes the sale void. Article 1471 of the Civil Code provides: If the price is simulated, the sale is void, but the act may be shown to have been in reality a donation, or some other act or contract (Labagala v. Santiago, G.R. No. 132305, Dec. 4, 2001).

Q: What is the effect and/or consequence of the absence of consent of the owner in a contract of sale of said property?

Q: Is there a formal requirement for the validity of a contract of sale? A: GR: None. A contract of sale may be made in writing, or by word of mouth, or partly in writing and partly by word of mouth, or may be inferred from the conduct of the parties. (Art. 1483) Contracts shall be obligatory, in whatever form they have been entered into, provided all the essential requisites for their validity are present.

A: GR: The contract of sale is void. One of the essential requirements of a valid contract of sale is the consent of the owner of the property. The buyer acquires no better title to the goods than the seller had. He cannot give what he does not have— quod non habet. A stream cannot rise higher than its source.

XPNS: a) If the law requires a document or other special form, the contracting parties may compel each other to observe that form. (Art. 1357) b) Under Statute of Frauds, the following contracts must be in writing; otherwise, they shall be unenforceable: 1. Sale of personal property at a price not less than P500; 2. Sale of a real property or an interest therein; 3. Sale of property not to be performed within a year from the date thereof; 4. When an applicable statute requires that the contract of sale be in a certain form. (Art. 1403, par.2)

Note: The principle of Nemo dat quod non habet pertains to the effect of delivery of the subject matter pursuant to a valid contract of sale, which is at the consummation stage of the contract. It does not pertain to the validity of the contract of sale upon perfection (Villanueva, Law on Sales, 2004 edition, pg. 104).

XPNS: a) When the owner of the goods is, by his conduct, precluded from denying the seller’s authority to sell. (Art. 1505) b) 1) Factors’ acts, recording laws, or any other provision of law enabling the apparent owner of the goods to dispose them as if he were the true owner; 2) Sales made under the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; 3) Sales made pursuant to a special law; 4) Purchases made in a merchant’s store or fairs or markets. (Art. 1505)

Q: Are there instances where the Statute of Frauds is not essential for the enforceability of a contract of sale? A: Yes. 1.

2.

Example: A, the seller sold a car owned by B, to C, the buyer. The contract of sale is valid since ownership at the

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When there is a note or memorandum in writing and subscribed to by the party or his agent (contains essential terms of the contract); When there has been partial performance/execution (seller delivers with the intent to transfer title/receives price); UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW 3.

4.

When there has been failure to object to presentation of evidence aliunde as to the existence of a contract without being in writing and which is covered by the Statute of Frauds; When sales are effected through electronic commerce. (Villanueva, p. 192)

Q: What is the obligation of the seller in terms of the nature of the subject matter of the sale? A: When the subject matter of the sale is a determinate thing, the seller must deliver the thing to the buyer when compelled by the latter. When the subject matter is an indeterminate or generic thing, the seller may be asked that the obligation be complied with at his expense (Art. 1165, NCC)

Note: Rules on forms, and of validity and enforceability of contracts of sale, are strictly kept within the contractual relationship of the seller and buyer pursuant to the characteristic of relativity of every contract, and do not necessarily apply to third parties whose rights may be affected by the terms of a sale.

Q: What is the seller’s obligation in case of delay or promise to deliver the thing to two or more persons who do not have the same interest?

Q: What are the obligations of the buyer? A: 1.

A: The seller shall be responsible for any fortuitous event that may occur until he has delivered the thing (Art. 1165, NCC)

Payment of the price GR: Seller is not bound to deliver unless the purchase price is paid

CHARACTERISTICS OF A CONTRACT OF SALE

XPN: A period of payment has been fixed 2.

Q: What are the characteristics of a contract of sale?

Accept delivery of thing sold

A: 1.

Note: A grace period granted the buyer in case of failure to pay is a right not an obligation. Non-payment would still generally require judicial or extrajudicial demand before default can arise.

Q: What are the other obligations of the buyer?

2.

A: 1.

3.

To take care of the goods without the obligation to return, where the goods are delivered to the buyer and he rightfully refuses to accept;

XPN: Aleatory – the consideration is not equivalent of what has been received like the purchase of a lotto ticket. If the ticket wins, the prize is much more than the price of the ticket.

Note: The goods in the buyer’s possession are at the seller’s risk.

2. 3.

Consensual – a sale is perfected by mere consent, manifested by the meeting of the minds as to the offer and acceptance thereof on the subject matter, price and terms of payment. Bilateral – the seller will deliver and transfer a determinate thing to the buyer and the latter will pay an ascertained price (or equivalent) therefor. GR: Commutative – the thing sold is considered the equivalent of the price paid and the price paid is the equivalent of the thing sold.

To be liable as a depositary if he voluntarily constituted himself as such; To pay interest for the period between delivery of the thing and the payment of the price in the following cases: a. should it have been stipulated; b. should the thing sold and delivered produces fruits or income; or c. should he be in default, from the time of judicial or extra-judicial demand for the payment of the price.

4. 5. 6.

Principal – its existence does not depend upon the existence and validity of another contract. Onerous – the thing sold is conveyed in consideration of the purchase price, and vice versa. Nominate – it has a specific name given by law. (Pineda, p. 4, 2010 ed) SALE IS A TITLE AND NOT A MODE

Q: Does sale by itself transfer ownership? Q: What are the obligations of the seller? A: No. The most that sale do is to create the obligation to transfer ownership. It is only a title and not a mode of transferring ownership.

A: DDTWTP 1. Deliver the thing sold; 2. Deliver fruits & accessions/accessories accruing from perfection of sale; 3. Transfer the ownership; 4. Warranties; 5. Take care of the thing, pending delivery, with proper diligence; 6. Pay for the expenses of the deed of sale unless there is a stipulation to the contrary


Q: What then transfers ownership? A: It is tradition or delivery, which is a consequence of the sale that transfers ownership. Q: Differentiate mode and title.

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SALES A: Mode is the legal means by which dominion or ownership is created, transferred, or destroyed; title only constitutes the legal basis by which to affect dominion or ownership. (Villanueva, p. 15, 2009 ed.)

suspensive condition such as the full payment of the purchase price, cannot be deemed a buyer in bad faith. There is no double sale in such case. Title to the property will transfer to the buyer after registration because there is no defect in the ownerseller’s title per se, but the latter, of course, may be sued for damages by the intending buyer.

the seller’s title thereto. The second buyer of the property who may have had actual or constructive knowledge of such defect in the seller’s title, or at least was charged with the obligation to discover such defect, cannot be a registrant in good faith. Such second buyer cannot defeat the first buyer’s title. In case a title is issued to the second buyer, the first buyer may seek reconveyance of the property subject of the sale. (Reyes v. Tuparan, G.R. No. 188064, June 1, 2011; Coronel v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 103577, October 7, 1996).

CONTRACT TO SELL Q: What is a contract to sell? A: A contract to sell may be defined as a bilateral contract whereby the prospective seller, while expressly reserving the ownership of the subject property despite delivery thereof to the prospective buyer, binds himself to sell the said property exclusively to the prospective buyer upon fulfillment of the condition agreed upon, that is, full payment of the purchase price (Coronel v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 103577, October 7, 1996). Q: What is the difference between a contract to sell and a conditional contract of sale? A: CONTRACT TO SELL The prospective seller does not as yet agree or consent to transfer ownership of the property subject of the contract to sell until the happening of an event, which may be the full payment of the purchase price. What the seller agrees or obliges himself to do is to fulfill his promise to sell the subject property when the entire amount of the purchase price is delivered to him. Upon the fulfillment of the suspensive condition which is the full payment of the purchase price, ownership will not automatically transfer to the buyer although the property may have been previously delivered to him. The prospective seller still has to convey title to the prospective buyer by entering into a contract of absolute sale. There being no previous sale of the property, a third person buying such property despite the fulfillment of the

CONDITIONAL CONTRACT OF SALE The first element of consent is present, although it is conditioned upon the happening of a contingent event which may or may not occur.

Q: Distinguish a contract of sale from a contract to sale A: CONTRACT OF SALE CONTRACT TO SELL As regards transfer of ownership Ownership is transferred to Ownership is transferred the buyer upon delivery of upon full payment of the the object to him. purchase price. Note: Vendor has lost and cannot recover ownership until and unless the contract is resolved or rescinded

Note: Prior to full payment, ownership is retained by the seller.

As to numbers of contracts involved There are two contracts: 1. The contract to sell If the suspensive condition is fulfilled, the contract of sale is thereby perfected, such that if there had already been previous delivery of the property subject of the sale to the buyer, ownership thereto automatically transfers to the buyer by operation of law without any further act having to be performed by the seller.

There is only one contract executed between the seller and the buyer.

Note: Preparatory sale

2. The deed of absolute sale Note: The principal contract is executed after full payment of the purchase price.

Payment as a condition Full payment of the price is a positive suspensive Non-payment of the price is condition. a resolutory condition. Vendor loses ownership Note: Failure to fully pay the over the property and price is not a breach but an cannot recover it until and event that prevents the unless the contract is obligation of the vendor to resolved or rescinded. convey title from becoming effective.

Remedies available 1. SpecifichPerformance 1. Resolution 2. Rescission 2. Damages 3. Damages

Upon the fulfillment of the suspensive condition, the sale becomes absolute and this will definitely affect

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CIVIL LAW Q: Having agreed to sell property which they inherited from their father, which was then still in their father’s name, the Coronels executed a document entitled "Receipt of Down Payment" in favor of Alcaraz for the purchase of their house and lot, with the condition that Ramona will make a down payment upon execution of the document. The Coronels would then cause the transfer of the property in the name of Ramona and will execute a deed of absolute sale in favor of Ramona. Ramona paid the downpayment as agreed. Is there a perfected contract of sale or a mere contract to sell?

way of dacion en pago, it merely stepped into the shoes of PMRDC. Is Keppel bank bound by the contract to sell between PMRDC and Adao? A: No. Adao’s lone affidavit is self-serving, and cannot be considered as substantial evidence. As a general rule, one who pleads payment has the burden of proving it. Even where the petitioner alleged non-payment, the general rule is that the burden rests on the respondent to prove payment, rather than on the petitioner to prove nonpayment (Kepel Bank Phils. Inc., v. Adao, G.R. No. 158227, Oct. 19, 2005).

A: The agreement could not have been a contract to sell because the sellers herein made no express reservation of ownership or title to the subject parcel of land. The Coronels had already agreed to sell the house and lot they inherited from their father, completely willing to transfer full ownership of the subject house and lot to the buyer if the documents were then in order. However, the TCT was then still in the name of their father, that is why they caused the issuance of a new TCT in their names upon receipt of the down payment. As soon as the new TCT is issued in their names, they were committed to immediately execute the deed of absolute sale. Only then will the obligation of the buyer to pay the remainder of the purchase price arise. This suspensive condition was fulfilled. Thus, the conditional contract of sale became obligatory, the only act required for the consummation thereof being the delivery of the property by means of the execution of the deed of absolute sale in a public instrument, which they unequivocally committed themselves to do as evidenced by the "Receipt of Down Payment." (Coronel, et al. v. CA, G.R. No. 103577, Oct. 7, 1996)

Q: Ursal and Spouses Monesets entered into a “Contract to Sell” of a house and lot. A downpayment was to be paid by Ursal and subsequently the balance of the price is to be paid every month until it is fully paid. After 6 months, the monthly installments were stopped because the spouses did not give Ursal the transfer of certificate title. Subsequently, the Spouses Monesets sold the property to Dr. Canora. The same property was also mortgaged by the spouses to a rural bank. When the spouses failed to pay the rural bank, the bank moved to foreclose the mortgage. Does Ursal have vested ownership over the property? A: No. In such contract, the prospective seller expressly reserves the transfer of title to the prospective buyer, until the happening of an event, which in this case is the full payment of the purchase price. In this case, the parties not only titled their contract as “Contract to Sell Lot and House” but specified in their agreement that the vendor shall only execute a deed of absolute sale on the date of the final payment by the vendee. Since the contract in this case is a contract to sell, the ownership of the property remained with the Monesets even after petitioner has paid the down payment and took possession of the property. In other words, petitioner did not acquire ownership over the subject property as she did not pay in full the equal price of the contract to sell (Ursal v. Court of Appeals, et. al, G.R. No. 142411, Oct. 14, 2005).

Q: Instead of executing a deed of Absolute Sale in favor of Ramona, the Coronels sold the property to Catalina and unilaterally and extrajudicially rescinded the contract with Ramona. Ramona then filed a complaint for specific performance. Will Ramona’s action prosper? A: Yes. Under Article 1187, the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the perfected contract of sale became mutually due and demandable as of the time of fulfillment or occurrence of the suspensive condition. Hence, petitioner-sellers' act of unilaterally and extrajudicially rescinding the contract of sale cannot be justified, there being no express stipulation authorizing the sellers to extrajudicially rescind the contract of sale. (Coronel, et al. v. CA, G.R. No. 103577, Oct. 7, 1996)

Q: Caguiat offered to buy Spouses Herrera’s lot and subsequently gave the spouses a partial payment. In turn, the spouses gave Caguiat the corresponding receipt stating that respondent promised to pay the balance of the purchase price on or before a fixed date. Caguiat’s counsel wrote the spouses informing them of his readiness to pay the balance of the price and requesting them to prepare the final deed of sale. However, the spouses’ counsel sent a letter to Caguiat stating that the wife is leaving for abroad and that they are cancelling the transaction. The spouses allowed Caguiat to recover the partial payment he paid them. Is the transaction a contract of sale?

Q: Project Movers Realty and Development Corporation (PMRDC) was indebted to Keppel Bank for P200M. To pay the debt, PMRDC conveyed to the bank 25 properties. Adao occupies one of the properties conveyed. The bank demanded Adao to vacate the property but he refused. Hence, an ejectment case was filed against Adao. In his defense, Adao assailed that he had a Contract to Sell entered between PMRDC and Adao. To prove full payment of the property, he presented an affidavit. The lower court ordered that Keppel banks should respect the contract to sell because when the bank acquired the properties by UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

A: No. In this case, the "Receipt for Partial Payment" shows that the true agreement between the parties is a contract to sell. First, ownership over the property was retained by petitioners and was not to pass to respondent until full payment of the purchase price. In effect, petitioners have the right to rescind unilaterally the contract the moment respondent fails to pay within the fixed period. Second, the

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SALES agreement between the parties was not embodied in a deed of sale. The absence of a formal deed of conveyance is a strong indication that the parties did not intend immediate transfer of ownership, but only a transfer after full payment of the purchase price. Third, petitioners retained possession of the certificate of title of the lot. This is an additional indication that the agreement did not transfer to respondent, either by actual or constructive delivery, ownership of the property (Spouses Herrera v. Caguiat, G.R. No. 139173, Feb. 28, 2007)

authority given

4.

May be revoked unilaterally even w/o ground

Seller receives profit

Agent not allowed to profit

Real contract

Personal contract

Dacion en Pago

Q: What are the instances when a contract to sell may be resorted to? A: 1. 2. 3.

Not unilaterally revocable

DACION EN PAGO

SALE

Where subject matter is indeterminate Sale of future goods except future inheritance Stipulation that deed of sale & corresponding certificate of sale would be issued only after full payment 5.

DISTINCTIONS OF THE CONTRACT OF SALE WITH OTHER CONTRACTS

No pre-existing credit

Contract where property is alienated to extinguish pre-existing credit/debt

Buyer-seller relationship

Novates creditor-debtor relationship into seller-buyer

Lease SALE

Q: Distinguish Sale from the following:

Obligation to absolutely transfer ownership of thing

1.

Consideration is the price

2.

Donation. SALE Onerous Consensual Law on Sales Barter SALE

Consideration is giving of money as payment

DONATION Gratuitous/onerous Formal contract Law on Donation

Seller needs to be owner of thing to transfer ownership. Lessor need not be owner

Note: Lease with option to buy – really a contract of sale but designated as lease in name.

BARTER

6.

Contract for piece-of-work SALE

Consideration is giving of a thing

If intention is not clear, and the value of thing is more than amount of money = Barter

CONTRACT FOR PIECEOF-WORK

Manufacturing in the ordinary course of business

Manufacturing upon special order of a customer

For the general market

Not for the general market, but specially for the customer

If consideration consists partly in money & partly by thing– look at manifest intention If intention is not clear, and the value of thing is equal or less than amount of money = Sale

LEASE Use of thing is for specified period only with obligation to return Consideration is the rental

PARTIES TO A CONTRACT OF SALE

Both are governed by law on sales

Q: Who are the parties to a contract of sale? 3.

Agency to Sell SALE

Buyer pays for price of object

Agent not obliged to pay for price; must account for the proceeds of the sale.

Buyer becomes owner of thing

Principal remains the owner even if the object delivered to agent

Seller warrants

A: 1.

AGENCY TO SELL

2.

Agent assumes no personal liability as long as within

Seller – one who sells and transfers the thing and ownership to the buyer Buyer – one who buys the thing upon payment of the consideration agreed upon

CAPACITY OF THE PARTIES

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CIVIL LAW RELATIVE INCAPACITY Q: Who may enter into a contract of sale? Q: Who are those relatively incapacitated to enter into a contract of sale?

A: GR: Any person who has capacity to contract or enter into obligations, may enter into a contract of sale, whether as party-seller or as party-buyer.

A: 1. 2.

XPNs: 1. Minors, insane and demented persons and deafmutes who do not know how to write 2. Persons under a state of drunkenness or during hypnotic spell 3. Husband and wife - sale by and between spouses

Spouses (Art. 1490, NCC) Agents, Guardians, Executors and Administrators, Public Officers and Employees, Court Officers and Employees, and others specially disqualified by law. (Art. 1491, NCC)

Q : What is the status of the following contracts of sale?

Note: Rationale for the prohibition: a) To prevent a spouse from defrauding his creditors by transferring his properties to the other spouse b) To avoid a situation where the dominant spouse would unduly take advantage of the weaker spouse c) To avoid an indirect violation of the prohibition against donations between spouses under Article 133 of the Civil Code (Medina v. Collector of Internal Revenue, 1 SCRA 302)

A: 1.

XPN to XPN: 1. Where necessaries are sold and delivered to a minor or other person without capacity to act, he must pay a reasonable price therefor. 2. In case of sale between spouses: a. when separation of property was agreed upon in the marriage settlements; or b. when there has been a judicial separation of property agreed upon between them

2.

That entered into by minors: a. Merely voidable, subject to annulment or ratification b. Action for annulment cannot be instituted by the person who is capacitated since he is disqualified from alleging the incapacity of the person with whom he contracts (with partial restitution in so far as the minor is benefited) where necessaries are sold and delivered to a minor or other person without capacity to act, he must pay a reasonable price (Art. 1489) Sale by & between spouses (Art. 1490): a. Status of prohibited sales between spouses: GR: Null and void XPN: In case of sale between spouses:

ABSOLUTE INCAPACITY

i.

Q: Who are those absolutely incapacitated to enter into a contract of sale?

ii.

A: 1. 2.

b. Unemancipated minors (Art. 1327, NCC); Insane or demented persons, and deaf-mutes who do not know how to write (Art. 1327, NCC)

rd

Contract of sale with 3 parties:

GR: Under the law on sales, it would seem that a spouse may, without the consent of the other spouse, enter into sales transactions in the regular or normal pursuit of their profession, vocation or trade. (in relation with Art. 73, Family Code)

Q: May a capacitated person file an action for annulment using as basis the incapacity of the incapacitated party? A: No. He is disqualified from alleging the incapacity of the person whom he contracts (Art. 1397, NCC);

XPN: Even when the property regime prevailing was the conjugal partnership of gains, the Supreme Court held the sale by the husband of a conjugal property without the consent of the wife is void, not merely voidable under Art. 124 of the Family Code since the resulting contract lack one of the essential elements of full consent. (Guiang v. CA, G.R. No. 125172, June 26, 1998)

Q: In a defective contract, where such defect consists in the incapacity of a party, does the incapacitated party have an obligation to make restitution? A: GR: The incapacitated person is not obliged to make any restitution. 3. XPN: insofar as he has been benefited by the thing or price received by him. (Art. 1399, NCC)


When a separation of property was agreed upon in the marriage settlements; or When there has been a judicial separation of property agreed upon between them

Between Common Law Spouses - also null and void. In Calimlim-Canullas v. Fortun, the Court decided that sale between common law spouses is null and void because Art. 1490 prohibits sales between spouses to prevent the exercise of undue influence by one spouse over the other, as well as to protect the institution of

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SALES marriage. The prohibition applies to a couple living as husband and wife without the benefit of marriage, otherwise, the condition of those incurred guilt would turn out to be better than those in legal union. (Calimlim-Canullas v. Fortun, et. al., G.R. No. L-57499, June 22, 1984) But when the registered property has been conveyed subsequently to a third-party buyer in good faith and for value, then reconveyance is no longer available to common-law spouse-seller, since under the Torrens system every buyer has a right to rely upon the title of his immediate seller (Cruz v. CA, G.R. No. 120122, Nov. 6, 1997) Q: Who has the right to assail the validity of the transaction between spouses? A: The following are the only persons who can question the sale between spouses: 1. The heirs of either of the spouses who have been prejudiced; 2. Prior creditors; and 3. The State when it comes to the payment of the proper taxes due on the transactions

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CIVIL LAW Q: Who are the persons with relative incapacity to be the vendee in a contract of sale? A: AGE-COP RELATIVELY INCAPACITATED TO BUY Agents

PROPERTIES INVOLVED

STATUS OF SALE

Property entrusted to them for administration or sale

RATIFICATION Can be ratified after the inhibition has ceased

XPN: When principal gave his consent Guardian

Reason: the only wrong that subsists is the private wrong to the ward, principal or estate; and can be condoned by the private parties themselves

Property of the ward during period of guardianship

Voidable Executors and administrators

Property of the estate under administration

Court officers and employees

Property and rights in litigation or levied upon on execution before the court under their jurisdiction

Others specially disqualified by law Pubic officers and employees

Note: Contracts entered by guardian in behalf of ward are rescissible if ward suffers lesion by more than ¼ of the value of property. Sale by guardian of property belonging to a ward without Court approval is void regardless of the lesion, hence, cannot be ratified. Cannot be ratified

Void Reason: It is not only a private wrong, but also a public wrong. (Villanueva, Law on Sales, p. 58)

Property of the State entrusted to them for administration

Note: Prohibitions are applicable to sales in legal redemption, compromises and renunciations. EFFECT OF SALE IN VIOLATION OF THE PROHIBITION: 1) With respect to guardians, agents, executors/administrators, the sale shall only be voidable because in such cases only private interests are affected – defect can be cured by ratification; 2) with respect to Public officers/employees, justices, judges, lawyers, clerks of courts, and those specially disqualified by law, the sale shall be null and void since public interest being involve therein (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Sales and Lease, 7th edition, pg 168)

Q: Atty. Leon G. Maquera acquired his client’s property as payment for his legal services, then sold it and as a consequence obtained an unreasonable high fee for handling his client’s case. Did he validly acquire his client’s property?

the prohibition of acquisition of property subject of the litigation by the lawyer provided for in the Civil Code since the prohibition applies only to a sale or assignment to the lawyer by his client during the pendency of the litigation. The transfer actually takes effect after the finality of the judgment and not during the pendency of the case. As such it is valid stipulation between the lawyer and client.

A: No. Article 1491 (5) of the New Civil Code prohibits lawyer’s acquisition by assignment of the client’s property which is the subject of the litigation handled by the lawyer. Also, under Article 1492, the prohibition extends to sales in legal redemption. (In Re: Suspension from the Practice of Law in the territory of Guam of Atty. Leon G. Maquera, B.M. No. 793, July 30, 2004)

SPECIAL DISQUALIFICATIONS Q: Who are those persons specially disqualified by law to enter into contracts of sale? A: ALIEN-UnOS 1. ALIENs who are disqualified to purchase private agricultural lands (Art. XII Secs. 3 & 7) 2. Unpaid seller having a right of lien or having stopped the goods in transitu, is prohibited from buying the goods either directly or indirectly in the resale of the same at public/private sale which he may make (Art. 1533 [5]; Art. 1476 [4])

Q: The stipulation between the lawyer and counsel is as follows, “the attorney’s fees of the Atty. X will be ½ of whatever the client might recover from his share in the property subject of the litigation.” Is the stipulation valid? A: Yes. The stipulation made is one of a contingent fee which is allowed by the CPE and the CPR. It does not violate UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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SALES 3.

4.

The Officer holding the execution or deputy cannot become a purchaser or be interested directly or indirectly on any purchase at an execution. (Sec. 21 Rule 39, Rules of Court) In Sale by auction, seller cannot bid unless notice has been given that such sale is subject to a right to bid in behalf of the seller (Art. 1476).

Example: right of redemption, right of usufruct, sale of credit, right to inheritance already assigned, etc. XPN: a. Future inheritance – cannot be the subject of sale b. Service – cannot be the object of sale. They are not determinate things and no transfer of ownership is available but it can be the object of certain contracts such as contract for a piece of work. (Pineda, p. 19, 2010 ed)

SALE BY A PERON HAVING A VOIDABLE TITLE Q: What is the effect of a sale made by the seller with voidable title over the object? A: 1. 2.

Q: When may a thing be considered as determinate? Perfection stage: valid – buyer acquires title of goods Consummation stage: valid – If the title has not yet been avoided at the time of sale and the buyer must buy the goods under the following conditions: a. In good faith b. For value c. Without notice of seller’s defect of title

EMPTIO REI SPERATAE Sale of thing having potential existence Uncertainty is w/ regard to quantity & quality Contract deals w/ future thing

Sale is valid only if the expected thing will exist.

A: A thing is determinate when it is particularly designated or physically segregated from all others of the same class. The requisite that a thing be determinate is satisfied if at the time the contract is entered into, the thing is capable of being made determinate without the necessity of a new or further agreement between the parties. Q: Rodriguez first purchased a portion of a Lot A consisting of 345 square meters located in the middle of Lot B, which has a total area of 854 square meters, from Juan. He then purchased another portion of said lot. As shown in the receipt, the late Juan received P500.00 from Rodriguez as "advance payment for the residential lot adjoining his previously paid lot on three sides excepting on the frontage. Juan’s heirs now contests the validity of the subsequent sale, alleging that the object is not determinate or determinable. Decide.

EMPTIO SPEI Sale of mere hope or expectancy Uncertainty is w/ regard to existence of thing Contract deals w/ present thing – hope or expectancy Sale is valid even though expected thing does not come into existence as long as the hope itself validly existed. (eg. lotto)

A: Their contention is without merit. There is no dispute that Rodriguez purchased a portion of Lot A consisting of 345 square meters. This portion is located in the middle of B, which has a total area of 854 square meters, and is clearly what was referred to in the receipt as the "previously paid lot." Since the lot subsequently sold to Rodriguez is said to adjoin the "previously paid lot" on three sides thereof, the subject lot is capable of being determined without the need of any new contract. The fact that the exact area of these adjoining residential lots is subject to the result of a survey does not detract from the fact that they are determinate or determinable. Concomitantly, the object of the sale is certain and determinate. (Heirs of San Andres v. Rodriguez, G.R. No. 135634, May 31, 2000)

Note: The presumption is Emptio Rei Speratae

Q: What is the effect if a buyer in good faith purchased from a public sale a personal property belonging to another who has lost or has been deprived thereof? A: The owner of the personal property cannot demand its return without reimbursing the price paid by the buyer in good faith. (Art. 559) SUBJECT MATTER Q: What are the requisites of a proper objects of sale? A: 1.

Things a. b. c.

Note: Where land is sold for a lump sum and not so much per unit of measure or number, the boundaries of the land stated in the contract determine the effects and scope of the sale, not the area thereof. The vendors are obligated to deliver all the land included within the boundaries, regardless of whether the real area should be greater or smaller than that recited in the deed. This is particularly true where the area is described as "humigit kumulang," that is, more or less. (Semira v. CA, G.R. No. 76031, Mar. 2, 1994)

Determinate or determinable Lawful (licit), otherwise contract is void Should not be impossible (within the commerce of men)

Note: From the viewpoint of risk or loss, not until the object has really been made determinate can we say that the object has been lost, because “genus never perishes.”

2.

Q: Lino entered into a contract to sell with Ramon, undertaking to convey to the latter one of the five lots he owns, without specifying which lot it was, for the price of P1 million. Later, the parties could not agree which of five lots he owned Lino undertook to sell to Ramon. What is

Rights GR: Must be transmissible.

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CIVIL LAW the standing of the contract? (2011 Bar Question)

contract provided it is possible to determine the same, without need of a new contract (Art. 1349)

A: It is a void contract since the particular lot sold cannot be determined.

OBLIGATION OF THE SELLER TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP

Q: Can rights be the objects of sale? Q: Should the seller be the owner at the time of perfection of the contract?

A: Yes, if they are transmissible. (Art. 1347) Q: When is a thing determinate?

A: GR: No. Seller must have the right to transfer ownership at the time of delivery or consummation stage. He need not be the owner at the time of perfection of the contract.

A: When it is particularly designated or physically segregated from all others of the same class. (Art. 1460, NCC)

XPN: Foreclosure sale wherein the mortgagor should be the absolute owner.

Q: When is a thing determinable? Q: When is ownership transferred by the seller to the buyer?

A: When the thing is capable of being made determinate without the necessity of a new or further agreement between the parties. (Art. 1460, NCC)

A: GR: The ownership of the thing sold is acquired by the vendee from the moment it is delivered to him in any ways specified in articles 1497 to 1501. This is the case when the sale is absolute.

PARTICULAR KINDS Q: What may be objects of sale? A: 1. 2.

3.

4.

XPN: Any other manner signifying an agreement that the possession is transferred from vendor to vendee. The sale in this exception is a conditional one.

Existing Goods – owned/ possessed by seller at the time of perfection Future Goods – goods to be manufactured, raised, acquired by seller after perfection of the contract or whose acquisition by seller depends upon a contingency (Art. 1462) Sale of Undivided Interest or Share a. Sole owner may sell an undivided interest. (Art. 1463) Ex. A fraction or percentage of such property b. Sale of an undivided share in a specific mass of fungible goods makes the buyer a co-owner of the entire mass in proportion to the amount he bought. (Art. 1464) c. A co-owner cannot sell more than his share (Yturralde v. CA) Sale of Things in Litigation a. Sale of things under litigation is rescissible if entered into by the defendant , without the approval of the litigants or the court (Art. 1381)

Q: EJ was subjected to a buy-bust operation where police officers posed to buy 500 pesos worth of “S”. She was then charged with a violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act for trafficking drugs. EJ uses as defense her lack of possession of the object of the sale. Would her contention free her from liability? A: No. Though she was not in possession of the object of sale, Article 1459 merely requires that the vendor must have the right to transfer ownership of the object sold at the time of delivery. In the case at bar, though Beth is not the owner, she had the right to dispose of the prohibited drug. Ownership was thereafter acquired upon her delivery to the men in the alley after her payment of the price. (People v. Ganguso, G.R. No. 115430, Nov. 23, 1995) Q: Spouses De Leon alleged that they are the owners of a parcel of land which was inherited by the husband from his father. They engaged the services of Atty. Juan to take care of the documents of the properties of his parents. The lawyer let them sign voluminous documents. After the death of Atty. Juan, some documents surfaced and revealed that their properties had been conveyed by sale or quitclaim to the husband's brothers and sisters and to Atty. Juan and his sisters, when in truth and in fact, no such conveyances were ever intended by them. His signature in the deed was forged. The land in question was subsequently sold to Alcantara by Rodolfo De Leon, one of the brothers. The spouses demanded annulment of the document and reconveyance but it was refused. Likewise, Alcantara averred that she bought the land in question in good faith and for value. Was there a right to transfer ownership of the land?

Note: If the property involved belongs to a ward and the guardian enters into a contract involving such property without court approval, the contract is void, not merely rescissible.

b.

5.

6.

No rescission is allowed where the thing is legally rd in the possession of a 3 person who did not acted in bad faith. Things subject to Resolutory Condition. Ex. Things acquired under legal or conventional right of redemption, or subject to reserva troncal. (Art. 1465) Indeterminate Quantity of Subject Matter a. The fact that the quantity is not determinate shall not be an obstacle to the existence of the


228

SALES A: None. It is during the delivery that the law requires the seller to have the right to transfer ownership of the thing sold. In general, a perfected contract of sale cannot be challenged on the ground of the seller’s non-ownership of the thing sold at the time of the perfection of the contract. Undisputed is the fact that at the time of the sale, Rodolfo de Leon was not the owner of the land he delivered to petitioner. Thus, the consummation of the contract and the consequent transfer of ownership would depend on whether he subsequently acquired ownership of the land. A comparison of the genuine signatures of Hermoso de Leon with his purported signature on the Deed of Extrajudicial Partition with Quitclaim will readily reveal that the latter is a forgery. (Alcantara-Daus v. Spouses De Leon, G.R. No. 149750, June 16, 2003)

6. 7. 8.

When the seller has a voidable title which has not been avoided at the time of the sale Sale by co-owner of the whole property or a definite portion thereof Special rights of unpaid seller

Q: What are the instances when the Civil Code recognizes sale of things not actually or already owned by the seller at the time of sale? A: 1. 2. 3.

SALE BY A PERSON WHO DOES NOT OWN THE THING SOLD

Sale of a thing having potential existence (Art.1461, NCC) Sale of future goods (Art. 1462, NCC) Contract for the delivery at a certain price of an article, which the seller in the ordinary course of business manufactures/ procures for the general market, whether the same is on hand at the time or not (Art. 1467, NCC)

Q: Is the sale of a good made by a person who does not own it valid?

PRICE

A: In the case of sale of property, ownership is not required at the time of perfection in order for the sale to be valid. Ownership is material only at the time of delivery but only for the purpose of transferring ownership and does not affect the validity of the contract of sale. This is because validity is determined not at the time of performance but at the time of perfection. If the seller is still not the owner of the thing subject of the sale at the time of delivery, then the contract of sale does not become void. It is still valid. The remedy of the buyer is rescission under Art. 1191 and damages.

Q: What is a price? A: Price signifies the sum stipulated as the equivalent of the thing sold and also every incident taken into consideration for the fixing of the price put to the debit of the buyer and agreed to by him. (Villanueva, p. 52) Note: A definite agreement on the manner of payment of the price is an essential element in the formation of a binding and enforceable contract of sale. (Co v. CA, G.R. No. 123908, Feb. 9, 1998)

Q: What are the requisites of price?

Note: What the law requires is that the seller has the right to transfer ownership at the time the thing sold is delivered. Perfection per se does not transfer ownership which occurs upon the constructive delivery of the thing sold. A perfected contract of sale cannot be challenged on the ground of non-ownership on the part of the seller at the time of its perfection (Quijada v. CA, 299 SCRA 69)

A: Must be: 1. Real 2. In money or its equivalent 3. Certain or ascertainable at the time of the perfection of the contract

Note: Future inheritance cannot be the subject of sale.

Q: When is price certain?

Q: What is the legal effect of sale by a non-owner?

A: 1. 2. 3.

A: GR: The buyer acquires no better title to the goods than the seller had; caveat emptor (buyer beware). XPNs: 1. Estoppel – when the owner of the goods is by his conduct precluded from denying the seller’s authority to sell 2. When the contrary is provided for in recording laws 3. When the sale is made under statutory power of sale or under the order of a court of competent jurisdiction 4. When the sale is made in a merchant’s store in accordance with the Code of Commerce and special laws 5. When a person who is not the owner sells and delivers a thing, and subsequently acquired title thereto

4.

If there is a stipulation If it be with reference to another thing certain If the determination of the price is left to the judgment of specified person(s) By reference to certain fact(s) as referred to in Art. 1472 (Art. 1469)

Note: If the price is based on estimates, it is uncertain.

Q: When is the price of securities, grains, liquids and things considered certain? A:

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CIVIL LAW 1.

2.

When the price fixed is that which the thing would have on a definite day, or in a particular exchange or market When the amount is fixed above or below the price of such day, or in such exchange or market, provided said amount be certain (Art. 1472, NCC)

of Appeals, G.R.No. 165851 & G.R. No. 165851 , Feb. 2, 2011) Q: What is considered reasonable price? A: Generally the market price at the time and place fixed by the contract or by law for the delivery of the goods.

Q: Can the fixing of the price be left to the discretion of one of the contracting parties?

Q: When is the time to determine the adequacy or inadequacy of price?

A: GR: No. The price cannot be fixed unilaterally by one of the contracting parties.

A: In determining the adequacy or inadequacy of the price, the price obtaining at the time of the execution of the contract shall be considered, and not the price obtaining thereafter (Pineda, p. 47, 2010 ed.)

XPN: If the other party agreed or consented. (Art. 1473, NCC) Q: What is the effect when the price in unilaterally fixed by one of the contracting parties without consent of the other party?

Q: How is inadequacy of price proved? A: Allegation of inadequacy of price must be proved by sufficient evidence. Without being substantiated with evidence, it is a mere speculation. (Pineda, p. 47, 2010 ed.)

A: There is no meeting of the minds. The sale is inefficacious (Pineda, p. 54, 2010 ed.)

Q: What is the effect on the contract of sale in case of a breach in the agreed manner of payment?

Q: What is the effect of gross inadequacy of price? A: GR: It does not affect the validity of the sale if it is fixed in good faith and without fraud

A: None. It is not the act of payment of price that determines the validity of a contract of sale. Payment of the price has nothing to do with the perfection of the contract, as it goes into the performance of the contract. Failure to pay the consideration is different from lack of consideration. Failure to pay such results in a right to demand the fulfillment or cancellation of the obligation under an existing valid contract. On the other hand, lack of consideration prevents the existence of a valid contract. (Sps. Bernardo Buenaventura and Consolacion Joaqui v. CA, GR No. 126376, Nov. 20, 2003)

XPN: CoRDS 1. If Consent is vitiated (may be annulled or presumed to be equitable mortgage) 2. If the parties intended a Donation or some other act/ contract 3. If the price is so low as to be “Shocking to the conscience” 4. If in the event of Resale, a better price can be obtained

WHEN NO PRICE IS AGREED UPON BY THE PARTIES Q: What is the effect if the price is simulated? Q: What is the effect of failure to determine the price? A: GR: Contract of sale is void. A: 1. 2.

XPN: The act may be shown to have been in reality a donation or some other act or contract. Q: Is annulment of sale the remedy in a simulated sale?

Note: The fixing of the price cannot be left to the discretion of one of the parties. However, if the price fixed by one of the parties is accepted by the other, the sale is perfected.

A: No. It is a well-entrenched rule that where the deed of sale states that the purchase price has been paid but in fact has never been paid, the deed of sale is null and void ab initio for lack of consideration. Moreover, Article 1471 of the Civil Code, provides that “if the price is simulated, the sale is void,” which applies to the instant case, since the price purportedly paid as indicated in the contract of sale was simulated for no payment was actually made. Since it was well established that the Deed of Sale is simulated and, therefore void, petitioners’ claim that respondent's cause of action is one for annulment of contract, which already prescribed, is unavailing, because only voidable contracts may be annulled. On the other hand, respondent's defense for the declaration of the inexistence of the contract does not prescribe. (Catindig v. Vda. de Meneses, Roxas v. Court UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Where contract is executory – ineffective Where the thing has been delivered to and appropriated by the buyer – the buyer must pay a reasonable price therefore

Q: What is the effect when a thing or a part thereof is delivered to the buyer although the contract is inefficacious and the latter appropriated the same? A: The buyer must pay the reasonable price for the thing received (Art. 1474, NCC)

Q: How is reasonable price determined?

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SALES A: Reasonableness of price is a question of fact. Its determination is dependent upon the circumstances of each particular case. The market value is a good standard in determining the reasonable price. (Pineda, p. 55)

A: Payment is considered option money when it is given as a separate and distinct consideration from the purchase price. Consideration in an option contract may be anything or undertaking of value.

Q: What is market value?

Note: An option is not itself a purchase, but merely secures the privilege to buy. It is not a sale of property but a sale of right to purchase. He does not sell his land; he does not then agree to sell it; but he does sell something, i.e., the right or privilege to buy at the election or option of the other party. Its distinguishing characteristic is that it imposes no binding obligation on the person holding the option, aside from the consideration for the offer (Limson v. CA, G.R. No. 135929, 2001).

A: It is that reasonable sum which a property would command in a fair sale by a man willing but not obliged to sell to another who is willing but not obliged to buy. Q: In an action for specific performance with damages, X alleged that there was an agreement to purchase the lot of Y. As regards the manner of payment, however, Y’s receipts contradicted the testimony of X. The receipts failed to state the total purchase price or prove that full payment was made. For this reason, it was contended that there was no meeting of their minds and there was no perfected contract of sale. Decide.

Q: What is an earnest money or “arras”? A: This is the money given to the seller by the prospective buyer to show that the latter is truly interested in buying the property, and its aim is to bind the bargain. (Pineda, p. 75)

A: The question to be determined should not be whether there was an agreed price, but what that agreed price was. The sellers could not render invalid a perfected contract of sale by merely contradicting the buyer’s obligation regarding the price, and subsequently raising the lack of agreement as to the price. (David v. Tiongson, G.R. No. 108169, Aug. 25, 1999)

Q: What is the effect of giving an earnest money? A: It is statutory rule that whenever earnest money is given in a contract of sale, it shall be considered as part of the price and as proof of the perfection of the contract. It constitutes an advance payment and must, therefore be deducted from the total price. (Adelfa Properties, Inc. v. CA, 240 SCRA 265)

Q: Distinguish the failure to pay the consideration from lack of consideration.

Note: Option money may become earnest money if the parties so agree.

A: Q: What is the effect of rescission on earnest money received?

FAILURE TO PAY LACK OF CONSIDERATION CONSIDERATION As to validity of contract of sale Contract is valid because it is the existence of the price and not the act of payment of price that determines the validity of a Lack of consideration contract of sale. prevents the existence Note: Payment of the price has nothing to do with the perfection of the contract, but merely goes into the performance of the contract.

A: When the seller seeks to rescind the sale, he is obliged to return the thing which was the object of the contract along with fruits and interest. (Art. 1385, NCC) Q: Distinguish option money from earnest money.

of a valid contract.

A: OPTION MONEY Money given as distinct consideration for an option contract Applies to a sale not yet perfected Prospective buyer is not required to buy.

As to resultant right Failure to pay the consideration The contract of sale is results in a right to demand the null and void and fulfillment or cancellation of the produces no effect obligation under an existing whatsoever valid contract.

If buyer does not decide to buy, it cannot be recovered.

OPTION MONEY VIS-A-VIS EARNEST MONEY Q: What is option money?

EARNEST MONEY Forms part of the purchase price Given only when there is already a sale When given, the buyer is bound to pay the balance. If sale did not materialize, it must be returned. (Villanueva, p. 87, Pineda, p.77)

Q: Bert offers to buy Simeon's property under the following terms and conditions: P1 million purchase price, 10% option money, the balance payable in cash upon the clearance of the property of all illegal occupants. The option money is promptly paid and Simeon clears the property of all illegal occupants in no time at all. However, when Bert tenders payment of the balance and asks for the deed of absolute sale, Simeon suddenly has a change

A: The distinct consideration in case of an option contract. It does not form part of the purchase price hence, it cannot be recovered if the buyer did not continue with the sale. Q: When is payment considered option money?

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CIVIL LAW of heart, claiming that the deal is disadvantageous to him as he has found out that the property can fetch three times the agreed purchase price. Bert seeks specific performance but Simeon contends that he has merely given Bert an option to buy and nothing more and offers to return the option money which Bert refuses to accept. 1. Will Bert's action for specific performance prosper? Explain. 2. May Simeon justify his refusal to proceed with the sale by the fact that the deal is financially disadvantageous to him? Explain. (2002 Bar Question) A: 1.

2.

considered as part of the price and proof of the perfection of the contract. Although the presumption is not conclusive, as the parties may treat the earnest money differently, there is nothing alleged in the present case that would give rise to a contrary presumption. In cases where the Court reached a conclusion contrary to the presumption declared in Article 1482, we found that the money initially paid was given to guarantee that the buyer would not back out from the sale, considering that the parties to the sale have yet to arrive at a definite agreement as to its terms – that is, a situation where the contract has not yet been perfected. These situations do not obtain in the present case, as neither of the parties claimed that the P20,000.00 was given merely as guarantee by the respondents, as vendees, that they would not back out from the sale (Heirs of Pangan v. Spouses Perreras, G.R. No. 157374, Aug. 27, 2009).

Bert's action for specific performance will prosper because there was a binding agreement of sale, not just an option contract. The sale was perfected upon acceptance by Simeon of 10% of the agreed price. This amount is in reality an earnest money because the agreement states that the balance was to be paid after fulfilling the condition. Under Art. 1482, it "shall be considered as part of the price and as proof of the perfection of the contract." (Topacio v. CA, G.R. No. 102606, July 3, 1992; Villongco Realty v. Bormaheco, G.R. No. L-26872, July 25, 1975).

FORMATION OF CONTRACT OF SALE Q: What are the 3 stages involved in the formation of a contract of sale? A: 1. 2. 3.

Simeon cannot justify his refusal to proceed with the sale by the fact that the deal is financially disadvantageous to him. Having made a bad bargain is not a legal ground for pulling out of a binding contract of sale, in the absence of some actionable wrong by the other party (Vales v. Villa, G.R. No. 10028, Dec. 16, 1916), and no such wrong has been committed by Bert.

Q: What is policitation? A: Policitation is defined as an unaccepted unilateral promise to buy or sell. This produces no judicial effect and creates no legal bond. This is a mere offer, and has not yet been converted into a contract. It covers the period from the time the prospective contracting parties indicate interest in the contract to the time the contract is perfected. (Villanueva, p. 6).

Q: Spouses Pangan owned a lot and a two-door apartment. The wife, Consuelo Pangan agreed to sell the properties to spouses Perreras. Consuelo received P20,000 from the respondents as earnest money with a receipt that also contained the terms of agreement. Later on, the parties agreed to increase the price from P540,000 to P580,000. Spouses Perreras issued two checks in compliance to the new agreement amounting to P200,000 and P250,000. Consuelo, however, refused to accept the checks. She justified her refusal by saying that her children, co-owners of the subject properties, did not agree to sell the properties. Consuelo offered to return the P20,000 earnest money to the spouses buyers but the latter rejected it. Hence, Consuelo filed a complaint for consignation. Spouses Perreras insisted on enforcing the agreement, hence they filed an action for specific performance. In Consuelo’s answer, she claimed that the contract became ineffective for lack of the requisite consent from the coowners, her children. Decide.

Q: What are usually included in a policitation? A: Legal matters arising prior to the perfection of the sale, dealing with concepts of invitation to make offer, offer, acceptance, right of first refusal option contract, supply agreement, mutual promises to buy and sell or contracts to sell, and even agency to sell or agency to buy. (Villanueva, p. 135, 2009 ed.) Q: What makes an offer certain? A: An offer is “certain” only where there is an offer to sell or an offer to buy a subject matter and for a price having all the essential requisites mandated by law. Q: How is an offer accepted?

A: The presence of Consuelo’s consent and, corollarily, the existence of a perfected contract between the parties are further evidenced by the payment and receipt of P20,000.00, an earnest money by the contracting parties’ common usage. The law on sales, specifically Article 1482 of the Civil Code, provides that whenever earnest money is given in a contract of sale, it shall be UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Negotiation/Preparatory offer/Policitation Perfection Consummation

A: The acceptance must be absolute and must not qualify the terms of the offer—it must be plain, unequivocal, unconditional and without variance of any sort from the proposal. Q: What are the rules in the conception stage about the offer?

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SALES A: 1.

A: RULE Offer is floated

Prior to acceptance, may be withdrawn at will by offeror but no authority to modify it

With a period

Must be accepted within the period, otherwise, extinguished at the end of period and may be withdrawn at will by offeror but must not be arbitrary, otherwise, liable for damages

With a condition

Extinguished by happening/ non-happening of condition

without period/ condition

Continues to be valid depending upon circumstances of time, place and person

With a counteroffer

Original offer is extinguished

2.

Note: However, even though the option was not supported by a consideration, the moment it was accepted, contract of sale is perfected (Art. 1324).

Q: What are the obligations of the offeror? A: 1) 2)

Q: What is an option contract?

3)

A: An option contract is a contract by which the owner of the property agrees with another person that he shall have the right to buy his property at a fixed price within a certain time. It is binding upon the promisor if the promise is supported by a consideration distinct from the price. An option contract is likewise a separate and distinct contract from a contract of sale.

Not to offer to any third party the sale of the object of the option during the option period; Not to withdraw the offer or option during the option period; To hold the subject matter for sale to the offeree in the event that the latter exercises his option during the option period.

Q: What is the effect of acceptance and withdrawal of the offer? A: If the offer had already been accepted and such acceptance has been communicated before the withdrawal is communicated, the acceptance creates a perfected contract, even if no consideration was as yet paid for the option. In which case, if the offeror does not perform his obligations under the perfected contract, he shall be liable for all consequences arising from the breach thereof based on any of the available remedies such as specific performance, or rescission with damages in both cases.

Q: What is the nature of an option contract? A: It is a preparatory contract in which one party grants to another, for a fixed period and at a determined price, the privilege to buy or sell, or to decide whether or not to enter into a principal contract. It binds the party who has given the option not to enter into the principal contract with any other person during the period designated, and within that period, to enter into such contract with the one whom the option was granted, if the latter should decide to use the option. It is a separate and distinct contract.

Q: What is the right of first refusal? A: A right of first refusal is a contractual grant, not of the sale of a property, but of the first priority to buy the property in the event the owner sells the same.

Note: If the option is perfected, it does not result in the perfection or consummation of the sale. (Diaz, p.7)

Note: Where a time is stated in an offer for its acceptance, the offer is terminated at the expiration of the time given for its acceptance (Pineda, p. 76, 2010 ed.)

Q: What is the period within which to exercise the option? A: 1. 2.

With separate consideration: a. Contract is valid b. Offeror cannot withdraw offer until after expiration of the option c. Is subject to rescission and damages but not specific performance Without separate consideration: a. the option contract is not deemed perfected b. offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to acceptance

Q: When can the owner offer the sale of the property to a third person?

Within the term stipulated If there is no stipulation, the court may fix the term

A: Only after the grantee fails to exercise its right under the same terms and within the period contemplated can the owner validly offer to sell the property to a third person, again under the same terms as offered to the grantee.

Q: How is an option exercised? A: A notice of acceptance must be communicated to offeror even without actual payment as long as payment is delivered in the consummation stage.

Q: NDC and Firestone entered into a contract of lease wherein it is stipulated that Firestone has the right of first refusal to purchase the leased property "should lessor NDC decide to sell the same”. After the rumor that NDC will transfer the lot to PUP, Firestone instituted an action

Q: What is the effect of a separate consideration in an option contract?

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CIVIL LAW for specific performance to compel NDC to sell the property in its favor. PUP moved to intervene arguing that the Memorandum issued by then President Aquino ordered the transfer of the whole NDC compound to the Government, which in turn would convey it in favor of PUP. Can Firestone exercise its right of first refusal?

seek rescission of the sale of the property to Andres’mother? (2008 Bar Question) A: Iris can seek rescission because pursuant to Equatorial Realty Co. v. Mayfair Theater rescission is a relief allowed for the protection of one of the contracting parties and even third persons from all injury and damage the contract of sale may cause or the protection of some incompatible and preferred right.

A: Yes. It is a settled principle in civil law that when a lease contract contains a right of first refusal, the lessor is under a legal duty to the lessee not to sell to anybody at any price until after he has made an offer to sell to the latter at a certain price and the lessee has failed to accept it. The lessee has a right that the lessor's first offer shall be in his favor (PUP v. CA, G.R. No. 143513, Nov. 14, 2001).

Q: Will the alternative prayer for extension of the lease prosper? (2008 Bar Question) A: No, the extension of the lease should be upon the mutual agreement of the parties.

Q: In a 20-year lease contract over a building, the lessee is expressly granted a right of first refusal should the lessor decide to sell both the land and building. However, the lessor sold the property to a third person who knew about the lease and in fact agreed to respect it. Consequently, the lessee brings an action against both the lessor-seller and the buyer (a) to rescind the sale and (b) to compel specific performance of his right of first refusal in the sense that the lessor should be ordered to execute a deed of absolute sale in favor of the lessee at the same price. The defendants contend that the plaintiff can neither seek rescission of the sale nor compel specific performance of a "mere" right of first refusal. Decide the case. (1998 Bar Question)

Q: Differentiate an option contract from a right of first refusal A: An option contract is a preparatory contract in which one party grants to another, for a fixed period and at a determined price, the privilege to buy or sell, or to decide whether or not to enter into a principal contract. In a right of first refusal, while the object may be determinate, the exercise of the right would be dependent not only on the grantor’s eventual intention to enter into a binding juridical relation with another but also on terms, including the price, that are yet to be firmed up. (Diaz, p. 54)

A: The action filed by the lessee, for both rescission of the offending sale and specific performance of the right of first refusal which was violated, should prosper. If the right of first refusal was violated and the property wa sold to a buyer who was aware of the existence of such right, the resulting contract is rescissible by the person in whose favour the right of first refusal was given and although no particular price was stated in the covenant granting the right of first refusal, the same price by which the third-party buyer bought the property shall be deemed to be the price by which the righ of first refusal shall therefore be exercisable (Equitorial Realty Development, Inc. v. Mayfair Theater, Inc., 264 SCRA 483)

OPTION CONTRACT Principal contract; stands on its own Needs separate consideration Subject matter and price must be valid Not conditional There is no offer to sell, but only an opportunity for the buyer to enter into a contract of sale Not subject to specific performance

Note: The offer of the person in whose favor the right of first refusal was given must conform with the same terms and conditions as those given to the offeree.

Subject to specific performance

Q: Is it necessary that the right of first refusal be embodied in a written contract?

Q: Andres leased his house to Iris for a period of 2 years, at the rate of P25, 000 monthly, payable annually in advance. The contract stipulated that it may be renewed for another 2-year period upon mutual agreement of the parties. The contract also granted Iris the right of first refusal to purchase the property at any time during the lease, if Andres decides to sell the property at the same price that the property is offered for sale to a third party. Twenty-three months after execution of the lease contract, Andres sold the house to his mother who is not a third party. Iris filed an action to rescind the sale and to compel Andres to sell the property to her at the same price. Alternatively, she asked the court to extend the lease for another two years on the same terms. Can Iris UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL Accessory; cannot stand on its own Does not need separate consideration There must be subject matter but price not important Conditional There is an offer to sell

A: Yes, the grant of such right must be clear and express. Note: It is applicable only to executory contracts and not to contracts which are totally or partially performed. If a particular form is required under the Statute of Frauds: sale is valid & binding between the parties but not to 3rd persons.

Q: Pozzolanic entered a long-term contract with the National Power Corporation (NPC) for the purchase of all fly ash to be produced by the latter’s future power plants. In the contract, NPC granted Pozzolanic a right of first

234

SALES refusal to purchase the fly ash that may be generated in the future. When NPC’s two new power plants started operation, it published an invitation to interested buyers for the purchase of the fly ash. Pozzolanic sent letters to NPC reminding its right of first refusal. NPC deferred its public bidding with the first power plant’s fly ash but it nevertheless continued with the bidding of the second power plant’s fly ash. Pozzolanic filed a complaint, but during the pendency of the case NPC decided to likewise dispose the fly ash from the first power plant without allowing Pozzolanic to exercise its right of first refusal. Can Pozzolanic exercise its right of first refusal?

evidenced by some act, or conduct, communicated to the offeror, either in a formal or an informal manner, that clearly manifest the intention or determination to accept the offer to buy or sell (Villanueva, p. 177, 2009 ed.). Q: How is acceptance made? A: It is made at the time and place stipulated in the contract. If there is no stipulation, it shall be made at the time and place of the delivery of the thing. (Art. 1582, NCC) Q: When is it deemed that the buyer has accepted the goods?

A: No. The right of first refusal granted in favour of Pozazolanic is invalid for being contrary to public policy as the same violates the requirement of competitive public bidding in the award of government contracts. In this jurisdiction, public bidding is the established procedure in the grant of government contracts. Thus, respondent’s right of first refusal cannot take precedence over the dictates of public policy. The right of first refusal of respondent being invalid, it follows that it has no binding effect. It does not create an obligation on the part of petitioner to acknowledge the same. (PSALM Corp., vs. Pozzolanic, G.R. No. 183789, Aug. 24, 2011)

A: 1. 2. 3.

When he intimates to the seller that he has accepted them When the goods have been delivered and he does any act inconsistent with the ownership of the seller When, after the lapse of reasonable time, he retains the goods without intimating to the seller that he rejected them (Art. 1585, NCC)

Q: What is the rule on refusal to accept the goods by the buyer?

Q: May the right of first refusal be waived?

A: The buyer is not bound to return the goods to the seller and it is sufficient that he notifies the seller of his refusal in the absence of a contrary stipulation. (Art. 1587, NCC)

A: Yes. Like other rights, the right of first refusal may be waived or when a party entered into a compromise agreement. (Diaz, p. 55)

Note: If the refusal is without just cause, the title passes to the buyer from the moment the goods are placed at his disposal. (Art. 1588, NCC)

Q: Can a sublessee avail of the right of first refusal of the lessee?

Q: What is the rule on the inspection of goods? A: GR: No. The sublessee is a stranger to the lessor who is bound to respect the right of first refusal in favor of the lessee only.

A: GR: If the goods have not yet been previously examined, the buyer is not deemed to have accepted them unless and until he has had reasonable to examine them (Art. 1584, NCC)

XPN: When the contract of lease granted the lessee the right to assign the lease, the assignee would be entitled to exercise such right as he steps into the shoes of the original assignee (Villanueva, p. 164, 2009 ed.).

XPNS: 1. The buyer had reasonable time to inspect the goods but he failed to do so 2. Stipulation to the contrary 3. C.O.D. sales

PERFECTION

Q: What is the effect and/or consequence of a qualified acceptance?

Q: When is a contract of sale deemed perfected? A: GR: It is deemed perfected at the moment there is meeting of minds upon the thing which is the object of the contract and upon the price. (Art.1475, par.1)

A: It constitutes merely a counter-offer which must in turn be accepted to give rise to a valid and binding contract (Villanueva, p. 171, 2009 ed.).

Note: The acceptance of the offer must be absolute. It must be plain, unequivocal, unconditional and without variance of any sort from the proposal.

XPN: When the sale is subject to a suspensive condition by virtue of law or stipulation.

Q: When is a contract of sale perfected through a letter or a telegram?

Q: What is the form of acceptance required?

A: It is perfected only when the offeror has received or has knowledge of the acceptance made by the offeree. Even if the buyer has accepted, the seller may still withdraw if he

A: It may be express or implied. Acceptance may be

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CIVIL LAW does not know yet of the buyer’s acceptance (Pineda, p. 59, 2010 ed.).

be instead transferred to SSE, a subjective novation took place. The proposed substitution of Licup by SSE opened the negotiation stage for a new contract of sale as between SSE and the owners (Starbright Sales v. Phil. Realty Corp., et. al, G.R. No. 177936, Jan. 18, 2012).

Q: What is the effect of the parties’ failure to appear before the notary public who notarized the deed? A: None. The non-appearance of the parties before the notary public who notarized the deed does not necessarily nullify nor render the parties' transaction void ab initio. Article 1358, NCC on the necessity of a public document is only for convenience, not for validity or enforceability. Where a contract is not in the form prescribed by law, the parties can merely compel each other to observe that form, once the contract has been perfected.

Q: Petitioners are the co-owners of undivided shares of two parcels of land. Respondent Paraiso Development Corporation purchased from them their respective shares except for two shares. A Contract to Sell was then established, where the petitioner affixed their signatures thereon. However, the petitioners decided to withdraw from the said agreement and along with it the request for the rescission of the contract which they said they never signed. They allege there is inability to understand the consequences of the contract. Was the contract perfected between the parties?

Note: Contracts are obligatory in whatever form they may have been entered into, provided all essential requisites are present. (Penalosa v. Santos, G.R. No. 133749, Aug. 23, 2001)

A: It is well-settled that contracts are perfected by mere consent, upon the acceptance by the offeree of the offer made by the offeror. From that moment, the parties are bound not only to the fulfillment of what has been expressly stipulated but also to all the consequences which, according to their nature, may be in keeping with good faith, usage and law. To produce a contract, the acceptance must not qualify the terms of the offer. However, the acceptance may be express or implied. For a contract to arise, the acceptance must be made known to the offeror. Accordingly, the acceptance can be withdrawn or revoked before it is made known to the offeror. In the case at bar, the Contract to Sell was perfected when the petitioners consented to the sale to the respondent of their shares in the subject parcels of land by affixing their signatures on the said contract. Such signatures show their acceptance of what has been stipulated in the Contract to Sell and such acceptance was made known to respondent corporation when the duplicate copy of the Contract to Sell was returned to the latter bearing petitioners' signatures (Rizalino, substituted by his heirs, vs. Paraiso Development Corporation, G.R. No. 157493, February 5, 2007).

Q: DBP sought to consolidate its ownership with Paragon Paper Industries, Inc. Medrano, President and General Manager of Paragon, was instructed to contact all minority stockholders to convince them to sell their shares to DBP at the price of 65% of the par value. He was able to contact all except for one who was in Singapore. Medrano testified that all have agreed to sell their shares to DBP. Paragon made proposals to DBP and the sale was approved by a DBP resolution subject to terms and conditions. However, the required number of shares contained in the conditions was not delivered by Medrano. Is the sale perfected? A: No. DBP imposed several conditions to its acceptance and it is clear that Medrano indeed tried in good faith to comply with the conditions given by DBP but unfortunately failed to do so. Hence, there was no birth of a perfected contract of sale between the parties (DBP v. Medrano and PMO, G.R. No. 167004. Feb. 7, 2011). Q: Licup, through a letter, offered to buy parcels of land to The Holy See and Philippine Realty Corporation (PRC). He enclosed a check for P100,000.00 to “close the transaction” and accepted the responsibility of removing informal settlers. Msgr. Cirilos, representative of the Holy See and PRC signed the conforme portion of the letter and accepted the check. A stop-payment order was issued by Licup and the latter requested that the titles to the land instead be given to SSE. Msgr. Cirilos wrote SSE requesting to remove the informal settlers, otherwise, the P100,000.00 would be returned. SSE replied with an “updated proposal” that they will comply provided that the purchase price is lowered. The proposal was rejected. The parcel of land was sold to another third person. Is there a perfected contract of sale between the two parties?

Q: When is an auction sale perfected? A: A sale by auction is perfected when the auctioneer announces its perfection by the fall of the hammer, or in other customary manner. (Art. 1476, par.2) Q: Does the seller have the right to bid in an auction sale? A: Yes. The seller has the right to bid provided that such right was reserved and notice was given to that effect (Pineda, p. 53)

A: No. When Msgr. Cirilos affixed his signature on that letter, he expressed his conformity to the terms of Licup’s offer appearing on it. There was meeting of the minds as to the object and consideration of the contract. But when Licup ordered a stop-payment on his deposit and proposed in his April 26, 1988 letter to Msgr. Cirilos that the property UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

CONSUMMATION Q: How does the consummation stage in a contract of sale take place?

236

SALES A: It takes place by the delivery of the thing together with the payment of the price.

i. Tradicion Symbolica – delivery of certain symbols representing the thing ii. Tradicion Instrumental – delivery of the instrument of conveyance iii. Traditio Longa Manu – Delivery of thing by mere agreement; when seller points to the property without need of actually delivering iv. Tradicion Brevi Manu – the buyer, being already in possession of the thing sold due to some other cause, merely remains in possession after the sale is effected, but now in concept of owner. E.g.From lessee to becoming an owner v. Constitutum Possessorium – the seller remains in possession of the property in a different capacity. E.g. From owner to lessee

Note: The ownership of the thing is acquired by the buyer in any of the ways specified by law or in any manner agreed upon by the parties.

Q: A and PDS Development Corp. executed a contract to sell a parcel of land. A died without having completed the installment on the property. His heirs then took over the contract to sell and assumed his obligations by paying the selling price of the lot from their own funds, and completed the payment. To whom should the final Deed of Absolute Sale be executed by PDS? A: Having stepped into the shoes of the deceased with respect to the said contract, and being the ones who continued to pay the installments from their own funds, A’s heirs became the lawful owners of the said lot in whose favor the deed of absolute sale should have been executed by vendor PDS (Dawson v. Register of Deeds of Quezon City, G.R. No. 120600 Sept. 22, 1998).

3.

TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP Q: When is ownership deemed transferred?

4.

A: The thing shall be understood as delivered, when it is placed in the control and possession of the vendee. Note: The most that sale do is to create the obligation to transfer ownership. It is only the title while the mode of transferring ownership is delivery.

GR: There is presumption of delivery XPN: a. b.

Q: What is the effect of delivery? A: GR: Title /ownership is transferred XPN: Contrary is stipulated as in the case of: 1. Pactum reservatii in domini – agreement that ownership will remain with seller until full payment of price (Contract to sell) 2. Sale on acceptance/approval 3. Sale on return 4. There is implied reservation of ownership

c. d.

A: Delivery should be coupled with intention of delivering the thing, and acceptance on the part of the buyer to give legal effect of the act. Without such intention, there is no such tradition.

Q: What are the different kinds of delivery?

2.

Contrary stipulation; When at the time of execution, subject matter was not subject to the control of seller; Seller has no capacity to deliver at time of execution; Such capacity should subsist for a reasonable time after execution of instrument.

Q: When can there be an effective delivery?

Note: Seller bears expenses of delivery.

A: 1.

Quasi-tradition – delivery of rights, credits or incorporeal property, made by: a. Placing titles of ownership in the hands of the buyer; b. Allowing buyer to make use of rights Tradition by operation of law – Execution of a public instrument is equivalent to delivery. But to be effective, it is necessary that the seller have such control over the thing sold that, at the moment of sale, its material delivery could have been made.

Actual – thing sold is placed under the control and possession of buyer/agent; Constructive – does not confer physical possession of the thing, but by construction of law, is equivalent to acts of real delivery.

Q: How is incorporeal property delivered?

Requisites: a. The seller must have control over the thing b. The buyer must be put under control c. There must be intention to deliver the thing for purposes of ownership

3.

A: 1. 2.

When sale is made through a public instrument (Art. 1498, NCC) By placing the titles of ownership in the possession of the buyer When buyer uses and enjoys the rights pertaining to the incorporeal property with the consent of the seller (Art. 1501, NCC).

Q: Lagrimas Boy borrowed P15,000 from spouses Ramos. Thereafter, Boy executed a Deed of Absolute Sale with the

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CIVIL LAW Ramoses involving a house and lot. The price agreed upon was P31,000. It was alleged that Boy’s debt is to be deducted, so the spouses needed only to pay P16,000. Because the Ramoses were not yet in immediate need of the properties, Lagrimas stayed therein. Later on, Lagrimas went to the wife, Erlinda, asking that they execute a Kasunduan. In the Kasunduan, it states that the spouses still had a remaining balance of P16,000 and that interest is to be deducted in favor of the spouses so that would leave a balance of P8,500. The Kasunduan was notarized, however Erlinda changed her mind upon signing. According to her, she realized that they already paid P31,000 to Lagrimas when the Deed of Sale was executed. When the spouses Ramos already needed to occupy the land, Lagrimas refused to vacate. She invoked the Kasunduan. Decide.

contract, if from the deed the contrary does not appear or cannot clearly be inferred. And with regard to movable property, its delivery may also be made by the delivery of the keys of the place or depository where it is stored or kept. In order for the execution of a public instrument to effect tradition, the purchaser must be placed in control of the thing sold. However, the execution of a public instrument only gives rise to a prima facie presumption of delivery. Such presumption is destroyed when the delivery is not effected because of a legal impediment. It is necessary that the vendor shall have control over the thing sold that, at the moment of sale, its material delivery could have been made. Thus, a person who does not have actual possession of the thing sold cannot transfer constructive possession by the execution and delivery of a public instrument. In this case, there was no constructive delivery of the machinery and equipment upon the execution of the deed of absolute sale or upon the issuance of the gate pass since it was not petitioner but Creative Lines which had actual possession of the property. The presumption of constructive delivery is not applicable as it has to yield to the reality that the purchaser was not placed in possession and control of the property. (Asset Privatization Trust v. T.J. Enterprises, G.R. No. 167195, May 8, 2009)

A: Under Article 1477 of the Civil Code, the ownership of the thing sold shall be transferred to the vendee upon the actual or constructive delivery thereof. In addition, Article 1498 of the Civil Code provides that when the sale is made through a public instrument, as in this case, the execution thereof shall be equivalent to the delivery of the thing which is the object of the contract, if from the deed the contrary does not appear or cannot clearly be inferred. In this case, the Deed of Absolute Sale does not contain any stipulation against the constructive delivery of the property to private respondents. In the absence of stipulation to the contrary, the ownership of the property sold passes to the vendee upon the actual or constructive delivery thereof. The Deed of Absolute Sale, therefore, supports private respondents’ right of material possession over the subject property (Boy v. Court of Appeals, et. al, G.R. No. 125088, April 14, 2004).

Q: Given that actual possession, control and enjoyment is a main attribute of ownership, is symbolic delivery by mere execution of the deed of conveyance sufficient to convey ownership over property? A: Yes, possession is also transferred along with ownership thereof by virtue of the deed of conveyance. The mere execution of the deed of conveyance in a public document is equivalent to the delivery of the property, prior physical delivery or possession is not legally required. The deed operates as a formal or symbolic delivery of the property sold and authorizes the buyer or transferee to use the document as proof of ownership. Nothing more is required (Sps. Sabio v. International Corporate Bank, Inc. et. at. G.R. No. 132709, Sept. 4, 2001).

Q: Asset Privatization (petitioner) entered into an absolute deed of sale over certain machinery and refrigeration equipment with T.J. Enterprises (respondent) on an as-is-where-is basis. Respondent paid the full amount of P84,000.00 as evidenced by a receipt. After two days, respondent demanded the delivery of the machinery. The subject properties were located in a compound under the possession of Creative Lines, Inc. Some time after, respondent was able to pull out from the petitioner’s compound the subject by means of a gate pass issued by the petitioner. However, during the hauling of the second lot, only nine items were pulled out instead of sixteen because Creative Lines’ employees prevented respondent from hauling the remaining machinery and equipment. Respondent filed a complaint for specific performance and damages against petitioner and Creative Lines. Petitioner argued that upon the execution of the deed of sale it had complied with its obligation to deliver the object of the sale since there was no stipulation to the contrary. It further argued that being a sale on an as-iswhere-is basis, it was the duty of respondent to take possession of the property. Is there a constructive delivery of the subject properties?

Q: Spouses Bernal purchased a jeepney from Union Motor to be paid in installments. They then executed a promissory note and a deed of chattel mortgage in favor of Union Motor which in turn assigned the same with Jardine Finance. To effectuate the sale as well as the assignment of the promissory note and chattel mortgage, the spouses were required to sign documents, one of which was a sales invoice. Although the Spouses have not yet physically possessed the vehicle, Union Motor’s agent required them to sign the receipt as a condition for the delivery of the vehicle. It was discovered that the said agent stole the vehicle even prior to its delivery to the spouses. Was there a transfer of ownership of the subject vehicle? A: No. The issuance of a sales invoice does not prove transfer of ownership of the thing sold to the buyer; an invoice is nothing more than a detailed statement of the nature, quantity and cost of the thing sold and has been considered not a bill of sale.

A: None. As a general rule, when the sale is made through a public instrument, the execution thereof shall be equivalent to the delivery of the thing which is the object of the UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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SALES Q: Where is the place of delivery? The registration certificate signed by the spouses does not conclusively prove that constructive delivery was made nor that ownership has been transferred to the respondent spouses. Like the receipt and the invoice, the signing of the said documents was qualified by the fact that it was a requirement of Union Motor for the sale and financing contract to be approved. In all forms of delivery, it is necessary that the act of delivery, whether constructive or actual, should be coupled with the intention of delivering the thing. The act, without the intention, is insufficient. Inasmuch as there was neither physical nor constructive delivery of a determinate thing, (in this case, the subject motor vehicle) the thing sold remained at the seller’s risk. The Union Motor should therefore bear the loss of the subject motor vehicle after its agent allegedly stole the same (Union Motor Corp. v. CA, G.R. No. 117187, July 20, 2001).

A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Q: What are the effects of a sale of goods on installment? A: 1. 2.

A: 1. 2. 3.

A: GR: Yes, if the seller is authorized. Delivery to carrier is delivery to the buyer. XPN: 1. A contrary intention appears 2. Implied reservation of ownership under Art. 1503, pars 1, 2, 3.

3.

4.

A: GR: 1.

FAS (Free Along Side) – when goods are delivered alongside the ship, there is already delivery to the buyer FOB (Free On Board) – when goods are delivered at the point of shipment, delivery to carrier by placing the goods on vessel is delivery to buyer CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) – a. When buyer pays for services of carrier, delivery to carrier is delivery to buyer, carrier as agent of buyer; b. When buyer pays seller the price – from the moment the vessel is at the port of destination, there is already delivery to buyer COD (Collect On Delivery) – the carrier acts for the seller in collecting the purchase price, which the buyer must pay to obtain possession of the goods.

2.

2.

If he is disturbed in the possession or ownership of the thing bought If he has well-grounded fear that his possession or ownership would be disturbed by a vindicatory action or foreclosure of mortgage.

XPN: 1. Seller gives security for the return of the price in a proper case; 2. A stipulation that notwithstanding any such contingency, the buyer must make payment; 3. Disturbance or danger is caused by the seller; 4. If the disturbance is a mere act of trespass; 5. Upon full payment of the price. Q: Is payment of the purchase price essential to transfer ownership? A: Unless the contract contains a stipulation that ownership of the thing sold shall not pass to the purchaser until he has fully paid the price, ownership of the thing sold shall be transferred to the vendee upon the actual or constructive delivery thereof (Diaz, p. 48).

Q: What are the seller’s duties after delivery to the carrier? A: 1.

If the buyer has not paid the price; No period for payment has been fixed in the contract; A period for payment has been fixed in the contract but the buyer has lost the right to make use of the time.

Q: When may the buyer suspend payment of the price?

Q: What are the kinds of delivery to carrier?

2.

Goods must be delivered in full except when stipulated When not examined by the buyer – it is not accepted until examined or at least had reasonable time to examine

Q: When is the seller not bound to deliver the thing sold?

Q: Can delivery be effected through a carrier?

A: 1.

That agreed upon Place determined by usage of trade Seller’s place of business Seller’s residence In case of specific goods, where they can be found

To enter on behalf of the buyer into such contract reasonable under the circumstances; To give notice to the buyer regarding necessity of insuring the goods.

Q: How may the buyer accept the delivery of the thing sold?

Q: When should the object be delivered? A: 1. 2.

A: 1. 2.

Stipulated time If there is none, at a reasonable hour.

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Express – he intimates to seller that he has accepted Implied a. Buyer does not act inconsistent with ownership of seller after delivery UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW b.

Retains without intimating to seller that he has rejected

Q: What is sale on trial, approval or satisfaction?

Q: What is the effect if the buyer refuses to accept despite delivery of the object of the sale?

A: It is a contract in the nature of an option to purchase if the goods prove to be satisfactory, the approval of the buyer being a condition precedent.

A: Delivery is completed. Since delivery of the subject matter of the sale is an obligation on the part of the seller, the acceptance thereof by the buyer is not a condition for the completeness of the delivery (Villanueva, p. 117)

Q: In this kind of sale, when is ownership deemed transferred? A: 1.

Note: Thus, even with such refusal of acceptance, delivery (actual/constructive), will produce its legal effects. (e.g. transferring the risk of loss of the subject matter to the buyer who has become the owner thereof) (Villanueva, p. 117)

2.

Under Art. 1588, when the buyer’s refusal to accept the goods is without just cause, the title thereto passes to him from the moment they are placed at his disposal. (Villanueva, p. 117)

When buyer signifies approval or acceptance to the seller or does any act adopting the transaction If buyer did not signify approval or acceptance, but retains the goods without giving notice of rejection after the expiration of the period fixed or of reasonable time (Art. 1502, NCC)

Q: What are the rules in case of sale on trial, approval or satisfaction?

WHEN DELIVERY DOES NOT TRANSFER TITLE

A:

Q: When does delivery does not transfer title?

Title A: 1. 2.

3.

4. 5.

Sale on Trial, Approval, or Satisfaction When there is an EXPRESS RESERVATION a. If it was stipulated that ownership shall not pass to the purchaser until he has fully paid the price (Art. 1478) When there is an IMPLIED RESERVATION a. When goods are shipped, but the bill of lading states that goods are deliverable to the seller or his agent, or to the order of the seller or his agent b. When the bill of lading is retained by the seller or his agent c. when the seller of the goods draws on the buyer for the price and transmits the bill of exchange and the bill of lading to the buyer , and the latter does not honor the bill of exchange by returning the bill of lading to the seller When sale is not VALID When the seller is not the owner of the goods

Risk of Loss

As to trial

XPNs: a. Estoppel: when the owner is precluded from denying the sellers authority to sell b. Registered land bought in good faith: Ratio: Buyer need not go beyond the Torrens title c. Order of Courts in a Statutory Sale d. When the goods are purchased in a Merchant’s store, Fair or Market (Art. 1505) 6.

It runs only when all the parts essential for the operation of the object has been delivered

Validity of stipulation that rd a 3 person must satisfy approval or satisfaction

Valid, provided the 3 person is in good faith

If the sale is made to a buyer who is an expert on the object purchased

Generally, it cannot be considered a sale on approval

rd

Q: When is there a double sale? A: There is double sale when the same object of the sale is sold to different vendees.

When goods are held by a third party

Note: Requisites: 1. Same subject matter 2. Same immediate seller 3. Two or more different buyers 4. Both sales are valid

On sale or return – The ownership passes to buyer upon delivery, but he may revest ownership in the seller by returning or tendering the goods within the time fixed in the contract or within reasonable time. (Art. 1502, NCC) UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

When period within which buyer must signify his acceptance runs

DOUBLE SALE

XPN: Third person acknowledges to the buyer that he holds the goods in behalf of the buyer (Art. 1521, NCC) 7.

Who bears the loss GR: Borne by seller XPN: 1. Buyer is at fault 2. Buyer agreed to bear the loss GR: Buyer must give goods a trial XPN: Buyer need not do so if it is evident that it cannot perform the work.

Q: What is the rule on double sale? A: First in time, priority in right

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SALES Q: Suppose the applicant is a non-resident of the Philippines, what are the requirements?

Note: Rule on Double Sale regarding immovables: GR: Apply Art.1544 XPN: Sale of registered lands – apply Torrens System

A: He shall file with his application an instrument in due form appointing an agent or representative residing in the Philippines, giving his full name and postal address, and shall therein agree that the service of any legal process in the proceedings under or growing out of the application made upon his agent or representative shall be of the same legal effect as if made upon the applicant within the Philippines.

Q: What are the rules according to Article 1544 of the Civil Code? A: 1. 2.

Movable – Owner who is first to possess in good faith Immovable – a. First to register in good faith b. No inscription, first to possess in good faith c. No inscription & no possession in good faith – Person who presents oldest title in good faith

Q: In the registration of a voluntary instrument, is a duplicate of certificate of title required?

Q: Does prior registration by the second buyer of a property subject of a double sale confer ownership or preferred right in his favor over that of the first buyer?

A: GR: Yes. No voluntary instrument shall be registered by the Register of Deeds, unless the owner's duplicate certificate is presented with such instrument. XPN: In cases expressly provided for in the decree or upon order of the court, for cause shown.

A: Prior registration of the disputed property by the second buyer does not by itself confer ownership or a better right over the property. Article 1544 requires that such registration must be coupled with good faith.

Q: What is the effect of the production of a duplicate certificate of title? A: It shall be conclusive authority from the registered owner to the Register of Deeds to enter a new certificate or to make a memorandum of registration in accordance with such instrument, and the new certificate or memorandum shall be binding upon the registered owner and upon all persons claiming under him, in favor of every purchaser for value and in good faith.

Knowledge gained by the first buyer of the second sale cannot defeat the first buyer's rights except where the second buyer registers in good faith the second sale ahead of the first, as provided by the Civil Code. Knowledge gained by the second buyer of the first sale defeats his rights even if he is first to register the second sale, since such knowledge taints his prior registration with bad faith (Art. 1544) (Uraca, et. al v. CA, G.R. No. 115158, Sept. 5, 1997)

Q: What are the other payments to be made by the seller in the registration of property? A: The seller should pay capital gains tax and documentary registration fees. The rate of capital gains tax is 6% of capital gains based on purchase price, fair market value or zonal value, whichever is higher.

PROPERTY REGISTRATION DECREE Q: What are the rules in the application for land registration? A: 1.

2.

Q: Spouses Guimba are the registered owners of a parcel of land. The wife entrusted her copy of the Owner’s Duplicate Certificate of Title to De La Cruz as collateral for a loan. Later on, De La Cruz received a phone call from the wife, informing her that she had changed her mind and will no longer obtain the loan, consequently asking for her TCT back. However, the certificate had been deposited in a bank. When she inquired at the bank, they told her that the certificate was not there. The wife received a telegram from Abad reminding her of the maturity of her mortgage. The spouses were not aware of any actual mortgage involving their property until the receipt of such telegram. Hence, the spouses filed an adverse claim. Abad, in his answer, alleged that spouses Guimba made a connivance with De La Cruz to defraud him. Is Abad an innocent holder for value?

The application for land registration shall be in writing and signed by the applicant or the person duly authorized in his behalf. It shall be sworn in the place where it was signed. If there is more than one applicant, the application shall be signed and sworn to by and in behalf of each.

Q: What shall be contained in the application? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Description of the land Citizenship and civil status of the applicant If married, the name of the wife or husband If the marriage has been legally dissolved, when and how the marriage relation terminated Full names and addresses of all occupants of the land and those of the adjoining owners, if known, and, if not known, it shall state the extent of the search made to find them.

A: The main purpose of land registration, covered by PD 1529, is to facilitate transactions relative to real estate by giving the public the right to rely upon the face of the Torrens certificate of title. Therefore, as a rule, the

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CIVIL LAW In sheriff’s sales, the sheriff does not guarantee the title to real property and it is not incumbent upon him to place the buyer in possession of such property (Pineda sales, p. 275).

purchaser is not required to explore further than what the Certificate indicates on its face. This rule however applies only to innocent purchasers for value and in good faith; it excludes a purchaser who has knowledge of a defect in the title of the vendor, or of facts sufficient to induce a reasonably prudent man to inquire into the status of the property. Under Section 32 of PD 1529, an innocent purchaser for value is deemed to include an innocent mortgagee for value. By insisting on the application of PD 1529 in his favor, petitioner begs the question. He invokes Sections 52 and 53 of the law, which protects innocent mortgagees for value, but which the RTC has already determined he was not. As already discussed, such factual determination by the trial court is conclusive, because he did not question it in the proper forum. The logical consequence, therefore, is the inapplicability of the said law to his factual situation. Preliminarily, we should stress that the remedy of appeal by certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court contemplates only questions of law, not of fact. Therefore, a party who files a Rule 45 petition waives the opportunity to inquire into the findings of fact of the lower court. Coming to the present case, the paramount question regarding the good faith of petitioner is obviously one of fact. (Abad v. Spouses Guimba, G.R. No. 157002, July 29, 2005)

Q: Is caveat emptor applicable in sales of registered land? A: No. The purchaser of a registered land under the Torrens system is merely charged with notice of the burdens and claims on the property which are inscribed on the face of certificate of title. (Pineda sales, p. 275) Q: Does caveat emptor apply in judicial sales? A: Yes. The purchaser in a judicial sale acquires no higher or better title or right than that of the judgment debtor. If it happens that the judgment debtor has no right, interest, or lien on and to the property sold, the purchaser acquires none (Pineda sales, p. 280). Q: Juliet offered to sell her house and lot, together with all the furniture and appliances therein, to Dehlma. Before agreeing to purchase the property, Dehlma went to the Register of Deeds to verify Juliet’s title. She discovered that while the property was registered in Juliet’s name under the Land Registration Act, as amended by the Property Registration Decree, it was mortgaged to Elaine to secure a debt of P80, 000. Wanting to buy the property, Dehlma told Juliet to redeem the property from Elaine, and gave her an advance payment to be used for purposes of releasing the mortgage on the property. When the mortgage was released, Juliet executed a Deed of Absolute Sale over the property which was duly registered with the Registry of Deeds, and a new TCT was issued in Dehlma’s name. Dehlma immediately took possession over the house and lot and the movables therein. Thereafter, Dehlma went to the Assessor’s Office to get a new tax declaration under her name. She was surprised to find out that the property was already declared for tax purposes in the name of XYZ Bank which had foreclosed the mortgage on the property before it was sold to her. XYZ Bank was also the purchaser in the foreclosure sale of the property. At that time, the property was still unregistered but XYZ Bank registered the Sheriff’s Deed of Conveyance in the day book of the Register of Deeds under Act 3344 and obtained a tax declaration in its name. Was Dehlma a purchaser in good faith? (2008 Bar Question)

Q: Explain the principle of prius tempore, potior jure. A: Knowledge by the first buyer of the second sale cannot defeat the first buyer’s rights except when the second buyer first registers in good faith the second sale. Conversely, knowledge gained by the second buyer of the first sale defeats his rights even if he is first to register, since such knowledge taints his registration with bad faith nd to merit the protection of Art. 1544 (2 par.), the second realty buyer must act in good faith in registering his deed of sale (Diaz, p. 125). Note: Where one sale is absolute and the other is a pacto de retro transaction where the period to redeem has not yet expired, Art. 1544 will not apply (Pineda, p. 223).

Q: What does the principle of caveat emptor mean? A: It literally means, ‘Let the buyer beware’. The rule requires the purchaser to be aware of the supposed title of the vendor and one who buys without checking the vendor’s title takes all the risks and losses consequent to such failure (Agcaoili, p. 184)

A: Yes, Dehlma is a purchaser in good faith. She learned about the XYZ tax declaration and foreclosure sale only after the sale to her was registered. She relied on the certificate of title of her predecessor-in-interest. Under the Torrens System, a buyer of registered lands is not required by law to inquire further than what the Torrens certificate indicates on its face. If a person proceeds to but it relying on the title, that person is considered a buyer in good faith.

Q: In what particular sale transactions does caveat emptor apply? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Sales of animals (Art. 1574) Double sales (Art. 1544) In sheriff’s sales (Art. 1570) Tax sales (Art. 1547, last paragraph)

The “priority in time” rule could not be invoked by XYZ Bank because the foreclosure sale of the land in favour of the bank was recorded under Act 3344, the law governing transactions affecting unregistered land, and thus, does not bind the land.

Note: In the above sales, there is no warranty of title or quality on the part of the seller. The purchaser who buys without checking the title of the vendor is assuming all risks of eviction.


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SALES capable of being divided (Pineda, p. 122, 2010 ed.). If indivisible, the only option available is the avoidance of the sale.

Q: Who as between Dehlma and XYZ Bank has a better right to the house and lot? A: Between Dehlma and the bank, the former has a better right to the house and lot.

Q: Who bears the risk of loss or deterioration? A:

Q: Who owns the movables inside the house?

BEFORE PERFECTION

A: Unless there is a contrary stipulation in the absolute deed of sale, Dehlma owns the movables covered by the Deed of Sale and her ownership is perfected by the execution and delivery of public document of sale. The delivery of the absolute deed of sale is a symbolical delivery of the house and lot, including the contents of the house. This is an obligation to deliver a specific thing, which includes the delivery of the specific thing itself and all of its accessions and accessories even though they may not have been mentioned (Art. 1166, CC).

Res perit domino – Seller is the owner so seller bears risk of loss Res perit domino

AT PERFECTION

AFTER PERFECTION BUT BEFORE DELIVERY

RISK OF LOSS

Contract shall be without any effect – the seller bears the loss since the buyer is relieved of his obligation under the contract Seller; Deterioration & fruits – Buyer bears loss (Tolentino) Buyer becomes the owner so buyer bears risk of loss

Q: When is a thing considered lost? AFTER DELIVERY

A: It is understood that the thing is lost when it: 1. perishes, or 2. goes out of commerce, or 3. disappears in such a way that its existence is nd unknown or cannot be recovered. (Art. 1189, 2 par.)

Delivery extinguish ownership vis-a-vis the seller & creates a new one in favor of the buyer DOCUMENTS OF TITLE

Q: What is a Document of Title? XPN: In an obligation to deliver a generic thing, the loss or destruction of anything of the same kind does not extinguish the obligation (Art. 1263, NCC)

A: A document used in the ordinary course of business in the sale or transfer of goods , as proof of the possession or control of the goods , or authorizing or purporting to authorize the possessor of the document to transfer or receive, either by endorsement or by delivery, goods represented by such document (Art. 1636).

Q: What is the effect when the loss occurred at the time of perfection of the contract of sale? A: GR: When the object of the contract is entirely lost, the contract shall be without effect.

Q: What may be considered as a document of title? A: A document of title of goods includes any bill of lading, dock warrant, quedan, or warehouse receipt or order (Villanueva, p. 301, 2009 ed.)

XPN: In case of partial loss, the buyer may choose between withdrawing from the contract and demanding the remaining part. If he chooses the latter, he shall pay the remaining part’s corresponding price in proportion to the total sum agreed upon. (Art. 1493, NCC)

Q: What is the purpose of the Documents of Title? A: 1.

Q: In the total or partial loss or deterioration of a mass of specific goods without the knowledge of the seller, what are the options of the buyer with regard to the sale? A: 1. 2.

2.

3.

He may treat the sale as avoided or cancelled He may continue with the sale with respect to the available or remaining goods. (Art. 1494, NCC)

Q: What is the effect suppose the buyer chooses to continue with the sale of the remaining goods? A: The remaining goods shall pass in ownership to the buyer but subject to proportionate reduction of the price. But this is applicable only if the goods are divisible or

Evidence of possession or control of goods described therein Medium of transferring title and possession over the goods described therein without having to effect actual delivery (Villanueva, 2009 ed.) The custody of a negotiable warehouse receipts issued to the order of the owner, or to bearer, is a representation of title upon which bona fide purchasers for value are entitled to rely , despite breaches of trust or violations of agreement on the part of the apparent owner (Siy Cong Bieng v. HSBC, 56 Phil 598)

Q: What is the rationale behind a document of title?

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CIVIL LAW A: Merchants are able to transact with goods and merchandise without having to physically carry them around, and that buyers should be assured that they may deal with the evidence thereof with the same effect as though they could feel the merchandise themselves (Villanueva, p. 303, 2009 ed.)

A: Prior to the notification to such bailee by the transferor or transferee of a non-negotiable document of title, the title of the transferee to the goods and the right to acquire the obligation of such bailee may be defeated by the transferor’s creditor by the levy of an attachment or execution upon the goods. (Art. 1514, NCC)

Q: What is a Negotiable Document of Title?

Q: If the goods are delivered to a bailee by the owner or by a person whose act in conveying the title to them to a purchaser in good faith for value and a negotiable instrument was issued for them, can the said goods be attached, garnished or levied upon?

A: A document of title which states that the goods referred therein will be delivered to the bearer, or to the order of any person named in such document (Art. 1509, NCC). Q: Who may negotiate a Negotiable Document of Title? A: 1. 2.

A: GR: No, the goods cannot be attached, garnished or levied upon while they are in the bailee’s possession.

Owner Person to whom the possession or custody of the document has been entrusted by the owner a. If bailee undertakes to deliver the goods to such person b. If document is in such form that it may be negotiated by delivery.

XPN: 1. When the document is first surrendered; or 2. When its negotiation is enjoined. Note: The bailee shall in no case be compelled to deliver the actual possession of the goods until the document is: 1. Surrendered to him; or 2. Impounded by the court. (Art. 1519, NCC)

Q: What are Non-negotiable documents of title? A: 1. 2.

3.

Q: What is the reason behind this prohibition? They are delivered only to a specified person Carrier will not deliver the goods to any holder of the document or to whom such document may have been endorsed by the consignee Must present the deed of sale or donation in his favor

A: This is to protect the bailee from liability as the document may have been negotiated by the holder to subsequent transferees for value and in good faith. He may be liable for damages if he cannot produce and deliver the goods later (Pineda, p. 181, 2010 ed).

Q: What are the warranties of seller of documents of title? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Q: What are the rights of a creditor whose debtor is the owner of a negotiable document of title?

Genuineness of the Document Legal right to negotiate or transfer No knowledge of fact which would impair the validity or worth of the document Right to transfer Title to the goods and merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, whenever such warranties would have been implied had the contract transfer the goods without a document.

A: He is entitled to such aid from courts of appropriate jurisdiction by: 1. injunction; 2. attaching such document; 3. as regards property which cannot be readily attached or levied upon by ordinary legal process - satisfying the claim by means allowed by law or equity. (Art. 1520, NCC)

Q: What does a person to whom a non-negotiable instrument has been transferred but not negotiated, acquire as against the transferor?

REMEDIES OF AN UNPAID SELLER Q: Who is an unpaid seller?

A: He acquires: 1. Title to the goods, subject to the terms of any agreement with the transferor; 2. Right to notify the bailee who issued the document of the transfer thereof, and thereby to acquire the direct obligation of such bailee to hold possession of the goods for him according to the terms of the document.

A: The seller of goods is deemed to be an unpaid seller either: 1. when the whole of the price has not been paid or tendered; 2. when a bill of exchange or other negotiable instrument has been received as conditional payment, and the condition on which it was received has been broken by reason of the dishonor of the instrument, the insolvency of the buyer, or otherwise.

Q: How may the transferor’s creditor defeat the aforementioned rights of the transferee?

Note: The mere delivery of a negotiable instrument does not ipso facto extinguish the obligation of the


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SALES buyer to pay because the instrument which has been delivered may be dishonoured. In which case, the seller is still an unpaid seller. (US v. Bedoya, 14 Phil. 398)

4.

Special Right to Rescind Requisites: a. Expressly stipulated OR buyer is in default for unreasonable time b. Notice needed to be given by seller to buyer

Note: It includes an agent of the seller to whom the bill of lading has been indorsed, or consignor or agent who has himself paid, or is directly responsible for the price, or any other person who is in the position of a seller (Pineda, p. 197, 2010 ed)

Q: What are the instances when possessory lien is lost?

Q: When may the seller still be considered as unpaid even though the title to the goods has passed to the buyer?

A: 1.

A: Whenever the seller was only paid partially, he remains an unpaid seller (Pineda, p. 197, 2010 ed.)

2. 3.

Q: What are the remedies of an Unpaid Seller?

Note: Seller loses lien when he parts with goods (but still, stoppage in transitu can be exercised)

A: I.

Q: What is the right of stoppage in transitu?

II.

Ordinary 1. Action for Price Exercised when: a. ownership has passed to buyer; b. price is payable on a day certain c. goods cannot readily be resold for reasonable price and Art. 1596 is inapplicable 2. Action for Damages – In case of wrongful neglect or refusal by the buyer to accept or pay for the thing sold Special 1. Possessory Lien – Seller not bound to deliver if buyer has not paid him the price. This remedy presupposes that the sale is on credit. It is exercisable only in following circumstances: a. goods sold without stipulation as to credit b. goods sold on credit but term of credit has expired c. buyer becomes insolvent

A: The seller may resume possession of the goods at any time while they are in transit, and he will then become entitled to the same rights in regard to the goods as he would have had if he had never parted with the possession. (Art. 1530, NCC) Q: When are goods considered to be in transit? A: 1. 2.

After delivery to a carrier or other bailee and before the buyer or his agent takes delivery of them; and If the goods are rejected by the buyer, and the carrier or other bailee continues in possession of them. (Art. 1531, par. 1)

Q: When are goods deemed to be no longer in transit? A: 1. 2.

Note: When part of goods delivered, may still exercise right on goods undelivered

3. 2.

Seller delivers without reserving ownership in goods or right to possess them Buyer or agent lawfully obtains possession of goods Waiver

Stoppage in Transitu 4. Requisites: I-CSENT-U a. Insolvent buyer b. The sale of goods must be on credit c. Seller must Surrender the negotiable document of title, if any d. Seller must bear the Expenses of delivery of the goods after the exercise of the right. e. Seller must either actually take possession of the goods sold or give Notice of his claim to the carrier or other person in possession f. Goods must be in Transit g. Unpaid seller

After delivery to the buyer or his agent If the buyer/agent obtains possession of the goods at a point before the destination originally fixed; If the carrier or the bailee acknowledges that he holds the goods in behalf of the buyer/ his agent; If the carrier or bailee wrongfully refuses to deliver the goods to the buyer or his agent. (Villanueva, p. 181)

Q: How is stoppage in transit carried out? A: The seller may: a. Take actual possession of the goods b. Give notice of his claim to the carrier or other bailee who is in possession of the goods

Q: What is the effect of the exercise of this right? 3.

Special Right to Resell the Goods Exercised when: a. Goods are perishable, b. Stipulated the right of resale in case of default, or c. Buyer in default for unreasonable time

A: Thereafter the seller becomes entitled to the same rights to the goods as if he had never parted with the possession of the goods (Pineda, p. 205, 2010 ed) Q: What if the seller knew of the insolvency of the buyer beforehand?

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CIVIL LAW A: This law covers contracts of sale of personal property by installments (Act No. 4122). It is also applied to contracts purporting to be leases of personal property with option to buy, when the lessor has deprived the lessee of the possession or enjoyment of the thing. (PCI Leasing and Finance Inc. v. Giraffe- X Creative Imaging, Inc., G.R. No. 142618, July 12, 2007)

A: Then he cannot exercise the right to stoppage in transit because he is under estoppel. He assumed the risk. Q: What is the rationale behind the right of stoppage in transitu? A: To prevent injustice of allowing the buyer to acquire ownership and possession of the goods when owing to his insolvency, he cannot pay the price. (Pineda, p. 206, 2010 ed)

Q: What are the alternative remedies in case of sale of personal property in installments? A: 1.

Q: What is the effect of exercising the special right of resale? A: The unpaid seller shall not be liable to the original buyer upon the sale or for any profit made by such resale, but may recover from the buyer damages for any loss occasioned by the breach of the sale. (Art. 1533, NCC)

Specific Performance: buyer fail to pay

Exact fulfillment should the

GR: If availed of, the unpaid seller cannot anymore choose other remedies; XPN: if after choosing, it has become impossible, rescission may be pursued

Q: Is notice to the defaulting buyer required in the resale of goods?

2.

Note: Notice of time and place of resale is not essential to the validity of such resale. (Art. 1433, NCC)

Rescission: Cancel the sale if buyer fails to pay 2 or more installments. Deemed chosen when: a. Notice of rescission is sent b. Takes possession of subject matter of sale c. Files action for rescission Foreclosure: Foreclose on chattel mortgage if buyer fails to pay 2 or more instalments. He shall have no further action against the purchaser to recover any unpaid balance of the price. Any agreement to the contrary shall be void.

Q: What is the effect of exercising the special right to rescind?

GR: Actual foreclosure is necessary to bar recovery of balance

A: The unpaid seller shall not be liable to the buyer upon the sale, but may recover from the buyer damages for any loss occasioned by the breach of the sale. (Art. 1534, NCC)

XPN: Mortgagor refuses to deliver property to effect foreclosure; expenses incurred in attorneys fees, etc.

A: GR: No. XPN: Where the right to resell is not based on the perishable nature of the goods or upon an express provision of the sale.

3.

Q: When is a buyer deemed insolvent?

Note: The remedies are alternative not cumulative. Availment of one is a bar to the other remedies

A: One is deemed insolvent when he either ceased to pay his debts in the ordinary course of business or cannot pay his debts as they become due, whether insolvency proceedings have been commenced or not. (Villanueva, p. 369, 2009 ed.)

Q: What is the rationale of Recto Law? A: To remedy the abuses committed in connection with the foreclosure of chattel mortgages and to prevent mortgagees from seizing the mortgaged property, buying it at a foreclosure sale for a low price and then bringing suit against the mortgagor for a deficiency judgment (Villanueva, p. 278, 2009 ed.)

Q: What is the Installment Sales Law? A: Commonly known as the Recto Law. It is embodied in Art. 1484 of the NCC which provides for the remedies of a seller in the contracts of sale of personal property by installments.

Q: A, sold and delivered a car to B which was to be paid on a monthly basis. After a series of payments, B subsequently defaulted. A then filed an action against B for specific performance.However, the amount collected was not sufficient to cover the amount of the car. The court then issued a writ of execution and the sheriff levied the subject car. B contends that this is a violation of the Recto law because having elected specific performance, A can no longer foreclose the subject car. Is this correct?

Note: Art. 1484 of the NCC incorporates the provisions of Act No. 4122 passed by the Philippine Legislature on Dec. 9, 1939, known as the "Installment Sales Law" or the "Recto Law," which then amended Art. 1454 of the Civil Code of 1889.

Q: To what does the Recto Law apply?


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SALES A: No. A evidently chose the remedy of specific performance. The sheriff levied upon the car by virtue of an execution and not as an incident of a foreclosure proceeding. The rule is that in installment sales, if the action instituted is for specific performance and the mortgaged property is subsequently attached and sold, the sale thereof does not amount to a foreclosure of the mortgage. Hence, the seller-creditor is entitled to a deficiency judgment (Industrial Finance Corporation v Ramirez, G.R. No. L-43821 May 26, 1977)

Q: What if the subject matter is indivisible? A: The buyer may reject the whole of the goods. (Art. 1522, NCC) Q: What is the duty of the seller with regard to accessions and accessories? A: The seller has the duty to preserve the thing and its accessions and accessories from the time of the perfection of the contract of sale. (Art. 1537, NCC)

Q: A mortgaged a diamond ring to M as a security for a loan which was to be paid 2 years thereafter. Since A failed to pay M, she then foreclosed the mortgaged property. However, it turned out that the proceeds of the sale were insufficient, thus, M filed an action for specific performance. A contends that this is a violation of the Recto law since the foreclosure of the chattel bars subsequent recovery. Is this correct?

Note: In case of loss or deterioration, the seller is liable for damages or the buyer may seek rescission with damages. However, if loss or deterioration is due to a fortuitous event, the seller is not liable. (Art. 1538, NCC)

Q: What is the rule when the sale of immovable is by unit of measure or number?

A: No. A is not correct in invoking the Recto law since it is only applicable in case of sale of personal property through installment. In the given case, the amount being claimed by A was to be paid 2 years thereafter as a lump sum, not through installments. Moreover, the transaction is a loan not a sale.

A: GR: The seller must deliver all that may have been stated in the contract. XPN: If impossible to deliver all, the buyer may choose between: 1. proportional reduction of the price 2. rescission of the contract, provided the deficiency is at least 1/10 of the area stated in the contract (Art. 1539, NCC)

Q: Does Recto Law cover a contract to sell movables? A: No. Because when the suspensive condition upon which the contract is based fails to materialize, it would extinguish the contract, and consequently there is no contract to rescind (Villanueva, p. 381, 2009 ed.).

Q: What is the prescription period for the action of rescission of contract? A: 6 months from the day of delivery. (Art. 1543, NCC)

PERFORMANCE OF CONTRACT

Q: How is payment made by the buyer?

Q: What is the rule when the seller delivers goods lesser than what he has contracted to sell? A: 1. 2.

A: Price is paid at the time and place stipulated in the contract. It is made to the person in whose favor the obligation has been constituted or his successor in interest, or any person authorized to receive. (Villanueva, p. 297, 2009 ed.)

The buyer may reject the goods delivered and he shall have no liability The buyer may accept the goods delivered, but he will pay the contract price, if he has knowledge that the seller is not going to deliver all the goods contracted for (Art. 1522, NCC)

Q: When is interest required to be paid? A: SFD 1. 2.

Q: What is the rule when the seller delivers goods greater than what he has contracted to sell?

3. A: 1. 2.

The buyer may accept only the goods which were included in the contract and reject the excess. The buyer may accept the entire goods delivered and he shall pay for them at the contract rate. (Art. 1522, NCC)

When it is Stipulated When the object delivered produced Fruits or income When the buyer is in Default from the time of demand (Villanueva, p. 297, 2009 ed.)

Q: What is the Realty Installment Buyer Act?

Q: What is the rule when the seller delivers goods which are mixed with other goods of different description not included in the contract?

A: Commonly known as the “957 Law.” It is embodied in R.A. 6552 which provides for certain protection to particular buyers of real estate payable on installments. The law declares as "public policy to protect buyers of real estate on installment payments against onerous and oppressive conditions.

A: The buyer may accept the goods which are in accordance with the contract and reject the rest. (Art. 1522, NCC)

Note: The purpose of the law is to protect buyers in installment against oppressive conditions.

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CIVIL LAW 2. Q: What are the transactions/sale covered by the Maceda Law?

3. 4.

A: The law involves the sale of immovables on installment (Maceda Law, R.A. 6552). 1. Coverage: Residential Real Estate (Villanueva, p. 431) 2. Exclude: a. Industrial lots b. Commercial buildings (and commercial lots by implication) c. Sale to tenants under agrarian laws

5.

Note: Applies to contracts even before the law was enacted. Stipulation to the contrary is void

Q: Bernie bought on installment a residential subdivision lot from DEVLAND. After having faithfully paid the installments for 48 months, Bernie discovered that DEVLAND had failed to develop the subdivision in accordance with the approved plans and specifications within the time frame in the plan. He thus wrote a letter to DEVLAND informing it that he was stopping payment. Consequently, DEVLAND cancelled the sale and wrote Bernie, informing him that his payments are forfeited in its favor. 1. Was the action of DEVLAND proper? Explain. 2. Discuss the rights of Bernie under the circumstances. 3. Supposing DEVLAND had fully developed the subdivision but Bernie failed to pay further installments after 4 years due to business reverses. Discuss the rights and obligations of the parties. (2005 Bar Question)

Note: The list is not exclusive. (Villanueva, p. 416, NCC)

Q: What are the so-called “Maceda” and “Recto” laws in connection with sales on installments? Give the most important features on each law. (1999 Bar Question) A: The Maceda Law (R.A. 6552) is applicable to sales of immovable property on installments. The most important features are: 1.

After having paid installments for at least two years, the buyer is entitled to a mandatory grace period of one month for every year of installment payments made, to pay the unpaid installments without interest.

A: 1.

If the contract is cancelled, the seller shall refund to the buyer the cash surrender value equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the total payments made, and after five years of installments, an additional five percent (5%) every year but not to exceed ninety percent (90%) of the total payments made. 2.

Reinstate contract by updating within 30 days before and cancellation Deed of Sale to be done by notarial act Pay full installment in advance the balance of price anytime w/o interest Have full payment annotated in certificate of title

In case the installments paid were less than 2 years, the seller shall give the buyer a grace period of not less than 60 days. If the buyer fails to pay the installments due at the expiration of the grace period, the seller may cancel the contract after 30 days from receipt by the buyer of the notice of cancellation or demand for rescission by notarial act. (Rillo v. CA, G.R. No. 125347 June 19, 1997)

The Recto Law (Art.1484) refers to sale of movables payable in installments and limiting the right of seller, in case of default by the buyer, to one of three remedies: 1. Exact fulfillment; 2. Cancel the sale of two or more installments have not been paid; 3. Foreclose the chattel mortgage on the things sold, also in case of default of two or more installments, with no further action against the purchaser.

Assuming that the land is a residential subdivision project under P.D. No. 957 (The Subdivision and Condominium Buyers Protective Decree), DEVLAND's action is not proper because under Section 23 of said Decree, no installment payment shall be forfeited to the owner or developer when the buyer, after due notice, desists from further payment due to the failure of the owner-developer to develop the subdivision according to the approved plans and within the time limit for complying with the same.

2.

Under the same Section of the Decree, Bernie may, at his option, be reimbursed the total amount paid including amortization interests but excluding delinquency interests at the legal rate. He may also ask the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board to apply penal sanctions against DEVLAND consisting of payment of administrative fine of not more than P20.000.00 and/or imprisonment for not more than 20 years.

3.

Under R.A. No. 6552 (Maceda Law), DEVLAND has the right to cancel the contract but it has to refund Bernie the cash surrender value of the payments on the property equivalent to 50% of the total payments made.

Q: What are the other rights granted to a buyer under the Maceda Law? WARRANTIES A: 1.

Q: What is a warranty?

Sell or assign rights to another


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SALES A: A statement or representation made by the seller of goods, as part of the contract of sale, having reference to the character, quality, or title, of the goods, and by which he promises or undertakes to insure that certain facts are or shall be as he then represents.

d.

Note: May either be express or implied.

Note: For eviction – disturbance in law is required and not just trespass in fact.

e.

Seller has been Summoned in the suit for eviction at the instance of buyer; or made 3rd party defendant through 3rd party complaint brought by buyer No waiver on the part of the buyer

Q: What is the effect of a breach of warranty? 3. A: Buyer may: 1. Refuse to proceed with the contract; or 2. Proceed with the contract and waive the condition.

Warranty against encumbrances (nonapparent)

Requisites: a. immovable sold is encumbered with nonapparent burden or servitude not mentioned in the agreement b. nature of non-apparent servitude or burden is such that it must be presumed that the buyer would not have acquired it had he been aware thereof

Note: If the condition is in the nature that it should happen, the non-performance may be treated as a breach of warranty.

Q: What are the kinds of warranties? A: Warranties could either be express or implied

XPN: warranty not applicable when non-apparent burden or servitude is recorded in the Registry of Property – unless there is expressed warranty that the thing is free from all burdens and encumbrances

Q: What are express warranties? A: Any affirmation of fact or any promise by the seller relating to the thing if the natural tendency of such affirmation or promise is to induce the buyer to purchase the same, and if the buyer purchases the thing relying thereon. (Art. 1546)

4.

Requisites: HENNAS a. Defect is important or Serious i. The thing sold is unfit for the use which it is intended ii. Diminishes its fitness for such use or to such an extent that the buyer would not have acquired it had he been aware thereof b. Defect is Hidden c. Defect Exists at the time of the sale d. Buyer gives Notice of the defect to the seller within reasonable time e. Action for rescission or reduction of the price is brought within the proper period i. 6 months – from delivery of the thing sold ii. Within 40 days – from the delivery in case of animals f. There must be No waiver of warranty on the part of the buyer.

Q: What are the requisites of express warranties? A: AIR 1. 2. 3.

It must be an Affirmation of fact relating to the subject matter of sale Natural tendency is to Induce buyer to purchase subject matter Buyer purchases the subject matter Relying thereon

Q: What is the liability of the seller for breach of express warranties? A: The seller is liable for damages (Villanueva, p. 249). Q: What are implied warranties? A: Warranties deemed included in all contracts of sale by operation of law (Art. 1547). 1.

2.

Warranty against Hidden Defects

Warranty that seller has right to sell – refers to consummation stage. Not applicable to sheriff, auctioneer, mortgagee, pledgee

Q: When is implied warranty not applicable? A: ASAP 1. 2. 3. 4.

Warranty against eviction

Requisites: JPENS a. Final Judgment b. Buyer is Evicted in whole or in part from the subject matter of sale c. Basis of eviction is a right Prior to sale or act imputable to seller

“As is and where is” sale Sale of second hand articles Sale by virtue of authority in fact or law Sale at public auction for tax delinquency

Q: Petitioner De Guzman purchased from Rspondent Toyota Cubao a white Toyota Hi-Lux 2.4 SS double cab motor vehicle, 1996 model, for a price of P508,000. He paid a downpayment of P152,400, leaving a balance of P355,600. Later on, he demanded that the engine of the

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CIVIL LAW vehicle be replaced for it had a crack after travelling along Marcos Highway while raining hard. Petitioner claims the replacement is based on an implied warranty. On the other hand, respondent answered that the said damage was not covered by a warranty. Decide.

1.

A: In the absence of an existing express warranty on the part of the respondent, as in this case, the allegations in petitioner's complaint for damages were clearly anchored on the enforcement of an implied warranty against hidden defects, i.e., that the engine of the vehicle which respondent had sold to him was not defective. By filing this case, petitioner wants to hold respondent responsible for breach of implied warranty for having sold a vehicle with defective engine. Such being the case, petitioner should have exercised this right within six months from the delivery of the thing sold. Since petitioner filed the complaint on April 20, 1999, or more than nineteen months counted from November 29, 1997 (the date of the delivery of the motor vehicle), his cause of action had become timebarred (De Guzman v. Toyota Cubao, G.R. No. 141480, November 29, 2006).

3.

2.

4. 5.

Note: Vendor is liable for any hidden defect even if he is not aware. (Caveat Venditor) Purchaser must be aware of the title of the vendor. (Caveat Emptor)

Q: What are the rights of buyer in case of partial eviction? A: 1.

Q: What are the effects of waiver of an implied warranty? A: 1. 2.

3.

2. Seller in bad faith and there is waiver against eviction – void When buyer without knowledge of a particular risk, made general renunciation of warranty – is not a waiver but merely limits liability of seller in case of eviction When buyer with knowledge of risk of eviction assumed its consequences and made a waiver – seller not liable (applicable only to waiver of warranty against eviction)

Restitution (with obligation to return the thing w/o other encumbrances than those which it had when he acquired it) Enforcement of warranty against eviction (Paras, p. 153 and Art. 1556) WARRANTY AGAINST HIDDEN DEFECT

Q: What is a hidden defect? A: A hidden defect is one which is unknown or could not have been known to the buyer. (Diaz, p. 145) Note: Seller does not warrant patent defect; Caveat emptor (buyer beware)

WARRANTY AGAINST EVICTION

Q: What is a redhibitory defect?

Q: What is a warranty against eviction?

A: It is a defect in the article sold against which defect the seller is bound to warrant. The vice must constitute an imperfection, a defect in its nature, of certain importance; and a minor defect does not give rise to redhibition (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Sales and Lease, 2005 ed, p. 318).

A: In a contract of sale, unless a contrary intention appears, there is an implied warranty on the part of the seller that when the ownership is to pass, and that the buyer shall from that time have and enjoy the legal and peaceful st possession of the thing (Art. 1547, 1 paragraph).

Q: What is a redhibitory defect on animals?

Q: What is covered by a warranty against eviction?

A: If the hidden defect of animals, even in case a professional inspection has been made, should be of such a nature that expert knowledge is not sufficient to discover it, the defect shall be considered as redhibitory.

A: It covers eviction by a final judgment based on a right prior to the sale or an act imputable to the vendor, the vendee is deprived of the whole or of a part of the thing purchased.

Q: When is the sale of animal void?

The vendor shall answer for the eviction even though nothing has been said in the contract on the subject. (Art. 1548, NCC)

A: The sale is void if animal is: 1. Suffering from contagious diseases; 2. Unfit for the use or service for which they were purchased as indicated in the contract

Q: What is the effect of a breach of warranty against eviction?

Q: When is a vendor responsible for hidden defects?

A: The buyer shall have the right to demand the seller: UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

The return of the value which the thing sold had at the time of the eviction, be it greater or lesser than the price of the sale The income or fruits, if he has been ordered to deliver them to the party who won the suit against him The costs of suit which caused the eviction, and, in a proper case, those of suit brought against the vendor for the waranty The expenses of contract if buyer has paid them The damages and interests and ornamental expenses if sale was made in bad faith.

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SALES A: If the hidden defects which the thing sold may have: 1. Render it unfit for the use for which it is intended, or 2. Diminish its fitness for such use to such an extent that, had the vendee been aware thereof, he would not have acquired it or would have given a lower price for it (Art. 1561).

but he is not answerable for patent defects or those, which are visible, and which can be seen upon inspection (Jon and Marissa De Ysasi v. Arturo and Estela Arceo, G.R. No. 136586, Nov. 22, 2001).

Q: Up to what extent does the seller warrant against hidden defects?

A: 1.

Q: What are the specific implied warranties in sale of goods?

A: The seller is responsible to the vendee for any hidden faults or defects in the thing sold, even though he was not aware thereof.

GR: No implied warranty

Q: When is the seller not answerable for the defects of the thing sold? 2. A: 1. 2.

3.

For patent defects or those which are visible Even for those which are not visible if the buyer is an expert who, by reason of his trade or profession, should have known them (Art. 1561) If the contrary has been stipulated, and the vendor was not aware of the hidden faults or defects in the thing sold (Art. 1566)

XPN: a. Buyer manifests to the seller the particular purpose for which the goods are required; and b. Buyer relies upon the seller’s skill or judgment Warranty of merchantability – That goods are reasonably fit for the general purpose for which they are sold. REMEDIES IN CASE OF BREACH OF WARRANTY

Q: What are the remedies of the buyer in case of breach of warranty? A: 1.

Q: What is the effect of a breach of warranty against hidden defects?

2. A: It would depend on whether the seller had knowledge of such defect and whether there has been a waiver of the warranty. 1. If the thing should be lost in consequence of the hidden faults, and seller was aware of them – he shall: a. bear the loss, b. return the price and c. refund the expenses of the contract with damages 2.

Warranty of fitness

3. 4.

Accept goods and set up breach of warranty by way of recoupment in diminution or extinction or the price. Accept goods and maintain action against seller for damages Refuse to accept goods and maintain action against seller for damages Rescind contract of sale and refuse to receive goods/return them when already received.

Q: Are the remedies of the buyer in case of breach of warranty absolute? A: No. The vendee's remedies against a vendor with respect to the warranties against hidden defects of or encumbrances upon the thing sold are not limited to those prescribed in Article 1567 where the vendee, in the case of Arts. 1561, 1562, 1564, 1565 and 1566, may elect either to withdraw from the contract or demand a proportionate reduction of the price, with damages in either case.

If the thing is lost and seller was not aware of the hidden faults – he shall: a. return the price and interest b. reimburse the expenses of the contract which the buyer might have paid, but not for damages. (Villanueva, Law on Sales,2004 ed, pp. 548-549)

The vendee may also ask for the annulment of the contract upon proof of error or fraud, in which case the ordinary rule on obligations shall be applicable. Under the law on obligations, responsibility arising from fraud is demandable in all obligations and any waiver of an action for future fraud is void. Responsibility arising from negligence is also demandable in any obligation, but such liability may be regulated by the courts, according to the circumstances.

Q: What are the remedies of the buyer in case of sale of things with hidden defects? A: The vendee may elect between: 1. Withdrawing from the contract, or 2. Demanding a proportionate reduction of the price, with damages in either case.

The vendor could likewise be liable for quasi-delict under Article 2176 of the Civil Code, and an action based thereon may be brought by the vendee. While it may be true that the pre-existing contract between the parties may, as a general rule, bar the applicability of the law on quasi-delict, the liability may itself be deemed to arise from quasi-delict, i.e., the acts which breaks the contract may also be a quasi-

Q: Is there a waiver of warranty against hidden defects when the lessee inspected the premises and pushed through with the contract? A: Yes. Under Arts. 1561 and 1653 of the Civil Code, the lessor is responsible for warranty against hidden defects,

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CIVIL LAW delict. (Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. v. CA, G.R. No. 110295, Oct. 18, 1993)

obligation Must be stipulated to form part of the obligation

Q: What are the instances when the buyer cannot rescind the sale in case there is a breach of warranty? A: 1. 2.

3.

May attach itself to obligation of seller to deliver possession and transfer

If he knew of the breach of warranty If he fails to return or offer to return goods to seller in substantially as good condition as they were at time ownership was transferred If he fails to notify the seller within a reasonable time of his election to rescind

BREACH OF CONTRACT REMEDIES OF THE SELLER

Q: Goodyear Philippines sold a car to Anthony Sy. Later on, Sy sold the car to Jose Lee. When Lee tried to register the car in his name, he failed to have it registered because it turned out that the car was stolen before and was only subsequently recovered by Goodyear. However, PNP did not lift the alert alarm over the said car. Due to this, the car was impounded and Lee was sued by PNP. This problem was relayed by Lee to Sy. It led to Sy filing a case against Goodyear for breach of warranty. It is Sy’s argument that it is Goodyear’s duty to convey the vehicle to Sy free from all liens, encumbrances and legal impediments. Was there a breach of warranty by Goodyear?

Note: see Recto and Maceda Law (Performance of Contract) pp. 240.

REMEDIES OF THE BUYER Q: What are the remedies of the buyer? A: I.

II.

CONDITION VIS-À-VIS WARRANTY Q: What is the effect of non-fulfillment of a condition? A: If imposed on the perfection of contract – prevents the juridical relation itself from coming into existence The other party may: 1. Refuse to proceed with the contract 2. Proceed w/ contract, waiving the performance of the condition

3.

Disturbed in possession or with reasonable grounds to fear disturbance – Suspend payment

Note: When the buyer has claimed and been granted a remedy in any of these ways, no other remedy can thereafter be granted, without prejudice to the buyer’s right to rescind, even if previously he has chosen specific performance when fulfillment has become impossible. (Villanueva, p. 389 in relation with Art. 1191, NCC)

EXTINGUISHMENT OF THE SALE

Q: What is the difference between a condition and a warranty?

Q: What are the causes for extinguishment of sale?

A:

A: A contract of sale is extinguished by: 1. Same causes as all other obligations, namely: a. Payment or performance

WARRANTY Purports to the


Immovables in general Disturbed in possession or with reasonable grounds to fear disturbance – Suspend payment 2. In case of subdivision or condominium projects – If real estate developer fails to comply with obligation according to approved plan: a. Rescind b. Suspend payment until seller complies Movables 1. Failure of seller to deliver – Action for specific performance without giving the seller the option of retaining the goods on payments of damages 2. Breach of seller’s warranty – The buyer may, at his election, avail of the following remedies: a. Accept goods & set up breach of warranty by way of recoupment in diminution or extinction or the price. b. Accept goods & maintain action against seller for damages c. Refuse to Accept goods & maintain action against seller for damages d. Rescind contract of sale & refuse to receive goods/return them when already received. 1.

A: No. Upon the execution of the Deed of Sale, petitioner did transfer ownership of and deliver the vehicle to Respondent Sy. The impoundment of the vehicle and the failure to register it were clearly acts that were not deliberately caused by petitioner, but that resulted solely from the failure of the PNP to lift the latter’s own alarm over the vehicle. Hence, the former did not breach its obligation as a vendor to Respondent Sy; neither did it violate his right for which he could maintain an action for the recovery of damages. (Goodyear Philippines, Inc. v. Sy and Lee, G.R. No. 154554, Nov. 9, 2005)

CONDITION Purports to the existence of

performance of obligation Need not be stipulated; may form part of obligation by provision of law Relates to the subject matter itself or to obligation of the seller as to the subject matter of the sale

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SALES b. c. d.

2. 3.

Loss of the thing due Condonation or remission of the debt Confusion or merger of the rights of creditor and debtor e. Compensation f. Novation g. Annulment h. Rescission i. Fulfillment of resolutory condition j. Prescription Conventional Redemption Legal redemption

Q: How is the right to repurchase reserved? A: By a stipulation to that effect in the contract of sale. Because it is not a right granted to the vendor by the vendee, but is a right reserved by the vendor. Q: Can the reservation be made in a separate instrument apart from the contract of sale? A: No. Once the instrument of absolute sale is executed, and any right thereafter granted the vendor in a separate instrument cannot be a right of repurchase but some other right like the option to buy in the instant case. (Villanueva, p. 517, 2009 ed.)

Q: What is redemption? A: It is a mode of extinguishment wherein the seller has the right to redeem or repurchase the thing sold upon return of the price paid.

Q: What happens in case the contract of sale is void?

Q: What are the kinds of redemption?

A: Since the underlying contract of sale was inoperative and consequently void, then the right of repurchase reserved would also be void. (Villanueva, p. 518, 2009 ed.)

A: 1. 2.

Legal Conventional

EQUITABLE MORTGAGE Q: What is an equitable mortgage?

Q: Should the right to redeem be incorporated in every contract of sale?

A: One which lacks the proper formalities, form or words or other requisites prescribed by law for a mortgage, but shows the intention of the parties to make the property subject of the contract as security for a debt and contains nothing impossible or contrary to law

A: The right of the vendor to redeem/repurchase must appear in the same instrument. However, parties may stipulate on the right of repurchase in a separate document but in this case, it is valid only between the parties and not against third persons (Pineda, p. 333)

Q: What are the essential requisites of equitable mortgage?

Q: What is the difference between pre-emption and redemption?

A: 1. 2.

A: PRE-EMPTION Arises before sale Rescission inapplicable Action is directed against prospective seller

REDEMPTION Arises after sale There can be rescission of original sale Action is directed against buyer

Parties entered into a contract of sale Their intention was to secure an existing debt by way of a mortgage.

Q: What is the rule on the presumption of an equitable mortgage? A: A sale with conventional redemption is deemed to be an equitable mortgage in any of the following cases: (Art. 1602) AIR-STAR 1. Price of the sale with right to repurchase is unusually Inadequate 2. Seller Remains in possession as lessee or otherwise 3. Upon or after the expiration of the right to repurchase Another instrument extending the period of redemption or granting a new period is executed 4. Purchaser Retains for himself a part of the purchase price 5. Seller binds himself to pay the Taxes on the thing sold 6. In any other case where the real intention of the parties is that the transaction shall Secure the payment of a debt or the performance of any other obligation.

CONVENTIONAL REDEMPTION Q: What is conventional redemption? A: Seller reserved the right to repurchase thing sold coupled with obligation to return price of the sale, expenses of contract & other legitimate payments and the necessary & useful expenses made on the thing sold

Q: Can any other person exercise the right to repurchase? A: Yes. By any person to whom the right of repurchase may be transfereed, or in case of legl redemption, by the person so entitled by law. (Villanueva, p. 517, 2009 ed.) Note: Right to repurchase must be reserved at the time of perfection of sale. (Pineda, p. 333)

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CIVIL LAW 7.

Art. 1602 shall also apply to a contract purporting to be an Absolute sale. (Art. 1604)

property allegedly sold. Petitioner and her children continued to use it as their residence, even after Jonas Ramos had abandoned them. In fact, it remained as her address for the service of court orders and copies of Respondent Sarao’s pleadings (Ramos v. Sarao, G.R. No. 149756, Feb. 11, 2005).

Note: In case of doubt in determining whether it is equitable mortgage or sale a retro (with right of repurchase); it shall be construed as equitable mortgage. The remedy is reformation. An equitable mortgage is one which although lacking in some formality, or form or words, or other requisites demanded by a statute, nevertheless reveals the intention of the parties to charge real property as security for a debt, and contains nothing impossible or contrary to law.

Q: Respondent Dizon mortgaged to Monte de Piedad a parcel of land including the two-storey apartment built thereon to secure a loan. Respondent failed to settle the loan, drawing Monte de Piedad to foreclose the mortgage, consolidate its ownership of the property, and register it in its name. Monte de Piedad nevertheless gave respondent until May 28, 1987 to purchase back the property. On the day of the expiration itself, one of the petitioners on behalf of respondent paid for the property. Monte de Piedad thereupon executed a deed of sale in favor of respondent who, the following day, executed a deed of sale in favor of petitioners. Also, respondent and petitioners executed an agreement giving respondent repurchase within three months from the date of this agreement. Failure to repurchase shall result to respondent vacating the premises and turn over possession thereof to petitioners. Three months passed without respondent repurchasing the property. Petitioners registered the Deed of Sale executed by Monte de Piedad in favor of respondent, as well as the Deed of Sale of the property executed by respondent in favor of petitioners. Notwithstanding this, respondent failed to vacate the property. An ejectment case was filed against respondent. Is the agreement a contract of sale or an equitable mortgage?

Q: Does inadequacy of price constitute proof sufficient to declare a contract as one of equitable mortgage? A: Mere inadequacy of the price is not sufficient. The price must be grossly inadequate, or purely shocking to the conscience. (Diaz, p. 186) Q: Spouses Ramos executed a Deed Of Sale under Pacto De Retro over their conjugal house and lot in favor of Susana Sarao. The contract granted the Ramos spouses the option to repurchase the property within six months plus an interest of 4.5 percent a month. It was further agreed that should the spouses fail to pay the monthly interest or to exercise the right to repurchase within the stipulated period, the conveyance would be deemed an absolute sale. In the succeeding months, the wife Myrna Ramos tendered to Sarao payment in the form of two manager’s checks, which the latter refused to accept for being allegedly insufficient. Myrna filed a complaint for the redemption of the property. She deposited with the RTC two checks that Sarao refused to accept. Is the contract a Pacto De Retro sale or an equitable mortgage? Decide.

A: It is a contract of sale. The presumption of equitable mortgage created in Article 1602 of the Civil Code is not conclusive. It may be rebutted by competent and satisfactory proof of the contrary. In the case at bar, ample evidence supports petitioners’ claim that the transaction between them and respondent was one of sale with option to repurchase. While after the sale of the property respondent remained therein, her stay was not in the concept of an owner. Contrary to respondent’s claim that after the sale of the property in 1987, the tax declarations remained in her name and she continued to pay realty taxes thereon, the record shows that the 1987 tax declarations were in the names of Monte de Piedad and petitioners. (Spouses Cristobal, et. al v. Dizon, G.R. No. 172771, Jan. 31, 2008)

A: The contract shall be presumed to be an equitable mortgage, in any of the following cases: (1) When the price of a sale with right to repurchase is unusually inadequate; (2) When the vendor remains in possession as lessee or otherwise; (3) When upon or after the expiration of the right to repurchase another instrument extending the period of redemption or granting a new period is executed; (4) When the purchaser retains for himself a part of the purchase price; (5) When the vendor binds himself to pay the taxes on the thing sold; (6) In any other case where it may be fairly inferred that the real intention of the parties is that the transaction shall secure the payment of a debt or the performance of any other obligation. (Article 1602, New Civil Code) Furthermore, a contract purporting to be a pacto de retro is construed as an equitable mortgage when the terms of the document and the surrounding circumstances so require. The law discourages the use of a pacto de retro, because this scheme is frequently used to circumvent a contract known as a pactum commissorium. Jurisprudence has consistently declared that the presence of even just one of the circumstances set forth in the foregoing Civil Code provision suffices to convert a contract to an equitable mortgage. Article 1602 specifically states that the equitable presumption applies to any of the cases therein enumerated. In the present factual milieu, the vendor retained possession of the UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Q: Ceballos was able to borrow from Mercado certain sum of money and as security, she executed a Deed of Real Estate Mortgage over the subject property. The said mortgage was not registered. Ceballos defaulted. Thereafter, a Deed of Absolute Sale was executed by Ceballos and her husband whereby the mortgaged property was sold to Mercado for the price of P16, 500.00. Ceballos offered to redeem the property from Mercado for the price of P30, 000.00 but the latter's wife refused since the same was already transferred in their names by virtue of the Deed of Absolute Sale. As a consequence, Ceballos filed the case contending that the Contract

254

SALES should be declared as an equitable mortgage. contention of Ceballos correct?

Is the

consideration to be valid and effective Redemption period cannot exceed 10 years Notice is required for its exercise accompanied with tender of payment/consignment

A: No. The instances when a contract, regardless of its nomenclature, may be presumed to be an equitable mortgage are enumerated in Art. 1602 of the Civil Code. Here, none of those circumstances were present. The original transaction was a loan. Ceballos failed to pay the loan; consequently, the parties entered into another agreement — the assailed, duly notarized Deed of Absolute Sale, which superseded the loan document. Ceballos had the burden of proving that she did not intend to sell the property and that Mercado did not intend to buy it; and that the new agreement did not embody the true intention of the parties. (Ceballos v. Intestate Estate of the Late Emigdio Mercado, G.R. No. 155856, May 28, 2004)

Its exercise extinguishes a existing contract of sale

If the spouses-sellers would file an action for reformation of instrument where they seek reformation of the absolute sale into one of equitable mortgage, will said action prosper? A: No, it will not prosper. If a seller has been granted merely an option to buy (not a right to repurchase) within a certain period, and the price paid by the buyer is adequate, the sale is absolute and cannot be construed nor presumed to be one of equitable mortgage, even if the period within which to exercise the option has been extended. (Villarica, et. al. v. CA, G.R. L-19196, Nov. 29, 1968) Note: SC held that in this case, there was no sale a retro and that the right of repurchase is not a right granted the seller by the buyer in a separate instrument. Such right is reserved by the vendor in the same instrument of the sale as one of the stipulations in the contract. Also, once the instrument of absolute sale is executed, the seller can no longer reserve the right of repurchase and any right thereafter granted the seller by the buyer cannot be a right of repurchase but some other rights, like that of an option to buy.

PERIOD OF REDEMPTION Q: What is the period of redemption? A: 1. 2.

DISTINGUISHED FROM OPTION TO BUY

Does not need a separate

Its exercise results into the perfection of a contract of sale

Q: On May 19, 1951, the spouses-sellers executed a public instrument of absolute sale in favor of the buyer for a consideration which is sufficiently adequate. A few days thereafter, the buyers executed in favor of the sellers an option to buy within one year, the property subject of the absolute sale, which option was extended for a month. Prior to the expiration of said one-year period, the buyer sold said property to a third person.

A: It is an equitable mortgage. In executing the said deed of sale, Domeng and Eulalia never intended the transfer of ownership of the subject property but to burden the same with an encumbrance to secure the indebtedness incurred by Domeng on the occasion of his employment with Eulalia. The agreement between Dominador and Eulalia was not avoided in its entirety so as to prevent it from producing any legal effect at all. Instead, the said transaction is an equitable mortgage, thereby merely altering the relationship of the parties from seller and buyer, to mortgagor and mortgagee, while the subject property is not transferred but subjected to a lien in favor of the latter (Sps. Raymundo, et al. v. Sps. Bandong, G.R. No. 171250, Jul. 4, 2007).

The right must be imbedded in a contract of sale upon its perfection

Only notice is required

(Villanueva, pp. 519-520, 2009 ed.)

Q: Eulalia was engaged in the business of buying and selling large cattle. In order to secure the financial capital she advanced for her employees (biyaheros) she required them to surrender TCT of their properties and to execute the corresponding Deeds of Sale in her favor. Domeng Bandong was not required to post any security but when Eulalia discovered that he incurred shortage in cattle procurement operation, he was required to execute a deed of sale over a parcel of land in favor of Eulalia. She sold the property to her grandniece Jocelyn who thereafter instituted an action for ejectment against the Spouses Bandong. To assert their right, Spouses Bandong filed an action for annulment of sale against Eulalia and Jocelyn alleging that there was no sale intended but only equitable mortgage for the purpose of securing the shortage incurred by Domeng in the amount of P70, 000.00 while employed as “biyahero” by Eulalia. Was the deed of sale between Domeng and Eulalia a contract of sale or an equitable mortgage?

REDEMPTION Forms part of the contract of sale

needed for it to be valid and effective Period for an option right may exceed 10 years

OPTION TO BUY Principal and preparatory contract May exist prior to or after the perfection of the sale, or be imbedded in another contract upon perfection Separate consideration is

3.

No period agreed upon – 4 years from date of contract When there is agreement – should not exceed 10 years; but if it exceeded, valid only for the first 10 years. When period to redeem has expired & there has been a previous suit on the nature of the contract – seller still has 30 days from final judgment on the basis that contract was a sale with pacto de retro: Rationale: no redemption due to erroneous belief that it is equitable mortgage which can be extinguished by paying the loan.

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CIVIL LAW 4.

When period has expired & seller allowed the period of redemption to expire – seller is at fault for not having exercised his rights so should not be granted a new period

Q: Is tender of payment necessary for redemption to take effect? A: Tender of payment is not necessary; offer to redeem is enough.

Note: Tender of payment is sufficient but it is not in itself a payment that relieves the seller from his liability to pay the redemption price.

Q: What is the effect of failure to redeem?

Q: When does period of redemption begin to run?

A: There must be judicial order before ownership of real property is consolidated to the buyer a retro.

A: 1.

Q: Can the vendor a retro be compelled to redeem?

2.

Right of legal pre-emption or redemption shall be exercised within 30 days from written notice by the buyer – deed of sale not to be recorded in Registry of Property unless accompanied by affidavit that buyer has given notice to redemptioners When there is actual knowledge, no need to give written notice; period of redemption begins to run from actual knowledge

A: No. There is no obligation on the part of the vendor a retro to repurchase. He may or may not exercise the right to repurchase (Pineda, p. 402, 2010 ed). Q: What is a trust de son tort? A: It is a trust created by the purchase or redemption of property by one other than the person lawfully entitled to do so and in fraud of the other.

Q: Can there an extension of the time to redeem? A: Yes. Parties may extend the period to redeem as long as the total period shall not exceed ten years. However, such extension can only be granted when the original period has not yet expired. Otherwise, there exists only a promise to sell on the buyer’s part (Pineda, pp. 381-382, 2010 ed.).

Q: Do constructive trusts arise only out of fraud or duress? A: No. A constructive trust, otherwise known as a trust ex maleficio, a trust ex delicto, a trust de son tort, an involuntary trust, or an implied trust, is a trust by operation of law which arises contrary to intention and in invitum, against one who, by fraud, actual or constructive, by duress or abuse of confidence, by commission of wrong, or by any form of unconscionable conduct, artifice, concealment, or questionable means, or who in any way against equity and good conscience, either has obtained or holds the legal right to property which he ought not, in equity and good conscience, hold and enjoy. It has been broadly ruled that a breach of confidence, although in business or social relations, rendering an acquisition or retention of property by one person unconscionable against another, raises a constructive trust. It is raised by equity in respect of property, which has been acquired by fraud, or where, although acquired originally without fraud, it is against equity that it should be retained by the person holding it. (Arlegui v. CA G.R. No. 126437, Mar. 6, 2002)

EXERCISE OF THE RIGHT TO REDEEM Q: What are the obligations the vendor a retro if he desires to redeem? A: The vendor a retro must pay or reimburse the vendee a retro the following: 1. Price of the sale 2. Expenses of the contract 3. Other legitimate expenses 4. Necessary and useful expenses (Pineda, pp. 397398, 2010 ed.) Q: Is written notice mandatory for the right of redemption to commence? A: Yes, the notice must be in writing stating the execution of the sale and its particulars. It may be made in a private or public document. (Pineda, p. 400)

Note: "A constructive trust is substantially an appropriate remedy against unjust enrichment. It is raised by equity in respect of property, which has been acquired by fraud, or where, although acquired originally without fraud, it is against equity that it should be retained by the person holding it." (76 Am. Jur. 2d, Sec. 222, p. 447 cited in Arlegui v. CA G.R. No. 126437, Mar. 6, 2002)

Q: Is there a prescribed form for an offer to redeem? A: There is no prescribed form for an offer to redeem to be properly effected. Hence, it can either be through a formal tender with consignation of the redemption price within the prescribed period. What is paramount is the availment of the fixed and definite period within which to exercise the right of legal redemption.

LEGAL REDEMPTION Q: What is legal redemption? A: Also referred to as “retracto legal”, it is the right to be subrogated upon the same terms and conditions stipulated in the contract, in the place of one who acquires the thing by purchase or by dation in payment or by other transaction whereby ownership is transmitted by onerous title.

Note: Art. 1623 does not prescribe any distinctive method for notifying the redemptioner.


256

SALES Q: How is “sale” or “sell” defined under the Decree? Q: What are the instances of legal redemption? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

A: Shall include: 1. Every disposition, or attempt to dispose, for a valuable consideration, of a subdivision lot, including the building and other improvements thereof, if any, in a subdivision project or a condominium unit in a condominium project; 2. contract to sell; 3. contract of purchase and sale; 4. exchange; 5. attempt to sell; 6. option of sale or purchase; 7. solicitation of a sale; 8. offer to sell, directly or by an agent, or by a circular, letter, advertisement or otherwise; and 9. a. privilege given to a member of a cooperative, corporation, partnership, or any association and/or b. the issuance of a certificate or receipt evidencing or giving the right of participation in, or right to, any land in consideration of payment of the membership fee or dues. (Deemed sale)

Sale of a co-owner of his share to a stranger (Art. 1620) When a credit or other incorporeal right in litigation is sold (Art. 1634) Sale of an heir of his hereditary rights to a stranger (Art. 1088) Sale of adjacent rural lands not exceeding 1 hectare (Art. 1621) Sale of adjacent small urban lands bought merely for speculation (Art. 1622)

Q: Are there other instances when the right of legal redemption is also granted? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Redemption of homesteads Redemption in tax sales Redemption by judgment debtor Redemption in extrajudicial foreclosure Redemption in judicial foreclosure of mortgage

Q: How are the terms “buy” and “purchase” defined under the Decree?

Q: What is the basis of legal redemption?

A: Shall include any contract to buy, purchase, or otherwise acquire for a valuable consideration a subdivision lot, including the building and other improvements, if any, in a subdivision project or a condominium unit in a condominium project.

A: It is created partly for reason of public policy and partly for the benefit and convenience of the redemptioner to afford him a way out of what might be a disagreeable or inconvenient association into which he has been in trust. It is intended to minimize co-ownership. (Pineda, p. 407, 2010 ed.)

Q: What is a subdivision project? Q: When does legal redemption period begin to run?

A: A tract or a parcel of land registered under Act No. 496 which is partitioned primarily for residential purposes into individual lots with or without improvements thereon, and offered to the public for sale, in cash or in installment terms.

A: The right of legal redemption shall not be exercised except within 30 days from the notice in writing by the prospective seller, or seller, as the case may be. The deed of sale shall not be recorded in the Registry of Property unless accompanied by an affidavit of the seller that he has given written notice thereof to all possible redemptioners. (Art. 1623, NCC)

Note: It shall include all residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas as well as open spaces and other community and public areas in the project.

THE SUBDIVISION AND CONDOMINIUM BUYER’S PROTECTIVE DECREE (P.D. 957)

Q: What is a subdivision lot? A: Any of the lots, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational, in a subdivision project.

Q: Are sales or dispositions of subdivision lots or condominium units prior to the effectivity of the decree exempt from compliance with the requirements stated therein?

Q: What is a complex subdivision plan? A: A subdivision plan of a registered land wherein a street, passageway or open space is delineated on the plan.

A: No. It shall be incumbent upon the owner or developer of the subdivision or condominium project to complete compliance with his or its obligations as provided in the decree within two years from the date of effectivity of the Decree, unless otherwise extended by the Authority or unless an adequate performance bond is filed. Note: Failure of the owner or developer to comply with the obligations under this and the preceding provisions shall constitute a violation punishable under Sections 38 and 39 of the Decree.

Q: What is a condominium project?

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CIVIL LAW A: The entire parcel of real property divided or to be divided primarily for residential purposes into condominium units, including all structures thereon.

3.

4. Q: What is a condominium unit? 5. A: A part of the condominium project intended for any type of independent use or ownership, including one or more rooms or spaces located in one or more floors (or part of parts of floors) in a building or buildings and such accessories as may be appended thereto. Q: Define the following terms: 1.

Q: The owner or the real estate dealer interested in the sale of lots or units, respectively, in such subdivision project or condominium project shall register the project with the Authority by filing a sworn registration statement. What shall be contained in the sworn registration statement?

Owner. A: Registered owner of the land subject of a subdivision or a condominium project.

2.

Developer.

A: (a) Name of the owner (b) The location of the owner's principal business office, and if the owner is a non-resident Filipino, the name and address of his agent or representative in the Philippines is authorized to receive notice (c) The names and addresses of all the directors and officers of the business firm, if the owner be a corporation, association, trust, or other entity, and of all the partners, if it be a partnership (d) The general character of the business actually transacted or to be transacted by the owner (e) A statement of the capitalization of the owner, including the authorized and outstanding amounts of its capital stock and the proportion thereof which is paid-up.

A: person who develops or improves the subdivision project or condominium project for and in behalf of the owner thereof. 3.

Dealer. A: any person directly engaged as principal in the business of buying, selling or exchanging real estate whether on a full-time or part-time basis.

4.

Broker. A: any person who, for commission or other compensation, undertakes to sell or negotiate the sale of a real estate belonging to another.

5.

Salesman.

Q: Part of the required documentary attachments to the application is a certificate of title to the property which is free from all liens and encumbrances. Does this bar an owner of mortgaged property from engaging in subdivision or condominium project while the mortgage is in force?

A: person regularly employed by a broker to perform, for and in his behalf, any or all functions of a real estate broker. Q: What must a registered owner of a parcel of land do if he wishes to convert said property into a subdivision or condominium project?

A: No. In case any subdivision lot or condominium unit is mortgaged, it is sufficient if the instrument of mortgage contains a stipulation that the mortgagee shall release the mortgage on any subdivision lot or condominium unit as soon as the full purchase price for the same is paid by the buyer.

A: He shall: 1. Submit his subdivision plan to the Authority which shall act upon and approve the same, upon a finding that the plan complies with the Subdivision Standards' and Regulations enforceable at the time the plan is submitted. 2. If the conversion desired involves a condominium project, the same procedure shall be followed except that, in addition, the NHA shall act upon and approve the plan with respect to the building or buildings included in the condominium project in accordance with the National Building Code (R.A. No. 6541).


The subdivision plan, as so approved, shall then be submitted to the Director of Lands for approval. In case of complex subdivision plans, court approval shall no longer be required. The condominium plan as likewise so approved, shall be submitted to the Register of Deeds of the province or city in which the property lies and the same shall be acted upon subject to the conditions and in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Section 4 of the Condominium Act (R.A. No. 4726).

Q: When is a subdivision or condominium project deemed to be registered? A: Upon completion of the publication requirement Note: The fact of such registration shall be evidenced by a registration certificate to be issued to the applicant-owner or dealer.

258

SALES Q: After issuance of the registration certificate, may the owner or dealer already sell subdivision lots or condominium units?

subdivision project or condominium project and the license to sell any subdivision lot or condominium unit in said project by issuing an order to this effect, with his findings in respect thereto, if upon examination into the affairs of the owner or dealer during a hearing, it shall appear there is satisfactory evidence that the said owner or dealer: 1. is insolvent; or 2. has violated any of the provisions of this Decree or any applicable rule or regulation of the Authority, or any undertaking of his/its performance bond; or 3. has been or is engaged or is about to engage in fraudulent transactions; or 4. has made any misrepresentation in any prospectus, brochure, circular or other literature about the subdivision project or condominium project that has been distributed to prospective buyers; or 5. is of bad business repute; or 6. does not conduct his business in accordance with law or sound business principles.

A: No. He must first obtain a license to sell the project within two weeks from the registration of such project. Q: When is a license to sell issued? A: After an examination of the registration statement filed by said owner or dealer and all the pertinent documents attached thereto, the Authority is convinced that the owner or dealer is of good repute, that his business is financially stable, and that the proposed sale of the subdivision lots or condominium units to the public would not be fraudulent. Q: What is the purpose of the requirement of posting of a performance bonds before a license to sell may be issued? A: It is to guarantee the construction and maintenance of the roads, gutters, drainage, sewerage, water system, lighting systems, and full development of the subdivision project or the condominium project and the compliance by the owner or dealer with the applicable laws and rules and regulations.

Note: Where the owner or dealer is a partnership or corporation or an unincorporated association, it shall be sufficient cause for cancellation of its registration certificate and its license to sell, if any member of such partnership or any officer or director of such corporation or association has been guilty of any act or omission which would be cause for refusing or revoking the registration of an individual dealer, broker or salesman.

Q: Is a license to sell and performance bond required in all subdivision and condominium projects? A: No. The following transactions are exempt from said requirements: 1. Sale of a subdivision lot resulting from the partition of land among co-owners and co-heirs. 2. Sale or transfer of a subdivision lot by the original purchaser thereof and any subsequent sale of the same lot. 3. Sale of a subdivision lot or a condominium unit by or for the account of a mortgagee in the ordinary course of business when necessary to liquidate a bona fide debt.

Q: What is the duration of the registration of dealers, brokers and salesmen? A: On the thirty-first day of December of each year. However, in the case of salesmen, their registration shall also cease upon termination of their employment with a dealer or broker. Note: Renewal of registration for the succeeding year shall be granted upon written application therefore made not less than thirty nor more than sixty days before the first day of the ensuing year and upon payment of the prescribed fee, without the necessity of filing further statements or information, unless specifically required by the Authority.

Q: When may a license to sell be suspended? A: 1.

2.

Upon verified complaint by a buyer of a subdivision lot or a condominium unit in any interested party, the Authority may, in its discretion, immediately suspend the owner's or dealer's license to sell pending investigation and hearing of the case. The NHA may motu proprio suspend the license to sell if, in its opinion, any information in the registration statement filed by the owner or dealer is or has become misleading, incorrect, inadequate or incomplete or the sale or offering for a sale of the subdivision or condominium project may work or tend to work a fraud upon prospective buyers.

All applications filed beyond said period shall be treated as original applications.

Q: When can there be refusal or revocation of registration as dealers, brokers or salesmen? A: Such registration may be refused or revoked by the NHA if, after reasonable notice and hearing, it shall determine that such applicant or registrant has: 1. violated any provision of this Decree or any rule or regulation made hereunder; or 2. made a material false statement in his application for registration; or 3. been guilty of a fraudulent act in connection with any sale of a subdivision lot or condominium unit; or 4. demonstrated his unworthiness to transact the business of dealer, broker, or salesman, as the case may be.

Q: When may a license to sell or registration of a subdivision or condominium project be revoked? A: The Authority may, motu proprio or upon verified complaint filed by a buyer of a subdivision lot or condominium unit, revoke the registration of any

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CIVIL LAW A: When it is shown that the proceeds of the mortgage loan shall be used for the development of the condominium or subdivision project and effective measures have been provided to ensure such utilization.

Note: The suspension or revocation of the registration of a dealer or broker shall carry with it all the suspension or revocation of the registration of all his salesmen.

Q: In making advertisements, does the owner or developer make warranties relative to such? A: Yes. 1.

2.

Q: What is the rule if the owner desires to make alterations in the approved subdivision plan? A: GR: No owner or developer shall change or alter the roads, open spaces, infrastructures, facilities for public use and/or other form of subdivision development as contained in the approved subdivision plan and/or represented in its advertisements

Advertisements that may be made through newspaper, radio, television, leaflets, circulars or any other form about the subdivision or the condominium or its operations or activities must reflect the real facts and must be presented in such manner that will not tend to mislead or deceive the public. The owner or developer shall answerable and liable for the facilities, improvements, infrastructures or other forms of development represented or promised in brochures, advertisements and other sales propaganda disseminated by the owner or developer or his agents and the same shall form part of the sales warranties enforceable against said owner or developer, jointly and severally.

XPN: If he has obtained the permission of the Authority and the written conformity or consent of the duly organized homeowners association, or in the absence of the latter, by the majority of the lot buyers in the subdivision. Q: May payment made by a buyer be forfeited in favor of the owner or developer in case the buyer desists from further payment due to the failure of the owner or developer to develop the subdivision or condominium project according to the approved plan within the time limit provided for such? What is the buyer’s remedy in this case?

Note: Failure to comply with these warranties shall also be punishable in accordance with the penalties provided for in this Decree.

A: No, such forfeiture is not allowed. Such buyer may, at his option, be reimbursed the total amount paid including amortization interests but excluding delinquency interests, with interest thereon at the legal rate.

Q: Within what period must the owner or developer construct and provide the facilities, improvements, infrastructures and other forms of development, including water supply and lighting facilities, which are offered and indicated in the approved subdivision or condominium plans, brochures, prospectus, printed matters, letters or in any form of advertisement?

Q: Does a defaulting buyer have any right under the Decree? A: Yes. The rights of the buyer in the event of this failure to pay the installments due for reasons other than the failure of the owner or developer to develop the project shall be governed by Republic Act No. 6552.

A: GR: Within one year from the date of the issuance of the license for the subdivision or condominium project XPN: Such other period of time as may be fixed by the Authority.

Where the transaction or contract was entered into prior to the effectivity of Republic Act No. 6552 on August 26, 1972, the defaulting buyer shall be entitled to the corresponding refund based on the installments paid after the effectivity of the law in the absence of any provision in the contract to the contrary.

Q: Is registration needed after the execution of a contract to sell relevant to the sale or conveyance of subdivision lots and condominium units? A: Yes. All contracts to sell, deeds of sale and other similar instruments relative to the sale or conveyance of the subdivision lots and condominium units, whether or not the purchase price is paid in full, shall be registered by the seller in the Office of the Register of Deeds of the province or city where the property is situated.

Q: What is the owner or developer’s obligation in case the lot bought and fully-paid by the buyer is mortgaged? A: In the event a mortgage over the lot or unit is outstanding at the time of the issuance of the title to the buyer, the owner or developer shall redeem the mortgage or the corresponding portion thereof within six months from such issuance in order that the title over any fully paid lot or unit may be secured and delivered to the buyer in accordance herewith.

Q: Can mortgage be made by the owner or developer without permission? A: No. There must be prior written approval of the Authority. Q: When is approval given by the Authority?


260

SALES Q: May the parties waive compliance with the decree? Q: What is a condominium? A: No. Any condition, stipulation, or provision in contract of sale whereby any person waives compliance with any provision of the Decree or of any rule or regulation issued thereunder shall be void.

A: It is an interest in real property consisting of separate interest in a unit in a residential, industrial or commercial building and an undivided interest in common, directly or indirectly, in the land on which it is located and in other common areas of the building.

Q: When will there be non-forfeiture of installment payments paid by the buyer?

Note: It may include, in addition, a separate interest in other portions of such real property.

A: No installment payment shall be forfeited in favor of the owner or developer when the buyer, after due notice to the owner or developer, desists from further payment due to the failure of the owner or developer to develop the subdivision or condominium project according to the approved plans and within the time limit for complying with the same. (Sec. 23, P.D. 957)

Q: What comprises a real right in condominium? A: The real right in condominium may be ownership or any other interest in real property recognized by law, on property in the Civil Code and other pertinent laws. Q: What is a condominium unit?

Q: What is the remedy of the buyer in case of noncompliance by the owner or developer of the approved plans within the time limit?

A: It is a part of the condominium project intended for any type of independent use or ownership, including one or more rooms or spaces located in one or more floors (or part or parts of floors) in a building or buildings and such accessories as may be appended thereto.

A: Such buyer may, at his option, be reimbursed the total amount paid including amortization interests but excluding delinquency interests, with interest thereon at the legal rate. (Sec. 23, P.D. 957)

Q: What is a condominium project? Q: Is notice required in the demand of refund? A: It is the entire parcel of real property divided or to be divided in condominiums, including all structures thereon,

A: No. Section 23 of P.D. 957 does not require that a notice be given first by the buyer to the seller before a demand for refund can be made as the notice and demand can be made in the same letter or communication (Villanueva, p. 408, 2009 ed.)

Q: What are common areas? A: The entire project excepting all units separately granted or held or reserved.

Q: What are the rights of the buyer in case he defaults in his installment payment due to causes other than the failure of the owner or developer to develop the project?

Q: What is meant by “to divide” real property? A: To divide the ownership thereof or other interest therein by conveying one or more condominiums therein but less than the whole thereof.

A: Where the transaction or contract was entered into prior to the effectivity of Republic Act No. 6552, the defaulting buyer shall be entitled to the corresponding refund based on the installments paid after the effectivity of the law in the absence of any provision in the contract to the contrary (Sec. 24, P.D. 957)

Q: What is the rule as regards acquisition of ownership over common areas? A: Transfer or conveyance of a unit or apartment, office or store or other space therein shall include the transfer or conveyance of the undivided interests in the common areas or, in a proper case, the membership or shareholdings in the condominium corporation

Q: When can there be a Take-Over Development? A: The NHA may take over or cause the development and completion of the subdivision or condominium project at the expenses of the owner or developer, jointly and severally, in cases where the owner or developer has refused or failed to develop or complete the development of the project as provided for in the Decree.

Q: Are there any restrictions as regards ownership of condominium units provided under the Condominium Act? A: 1.

Note: The Authority may, after such take-over, demand, collect and receive from the buyers the installment payments due on the lots, which shall be utilized for the development of the subdivision.

As regards individuals: GR: None. XPN: where the common areas in the condominium project are owned by the owners of separate units as co-owners thereof, no condominium unit therein shall be conveyed or transferred to persons other than:

THE CONDOMINIUM ACT (RA 4726)

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CIVIL LAW 1. 2.

Note: Such easement shall be automatically terminated in any air space upon destruction of the unit as to render it untenantable.

Filipino citizens, or Corporations at least sixty percent of the capital stock of which belong to Filipino citizens XPN to the XPN: in cases of hereditary succession.

2.

As regards corporations: Where the common areas in a condominium project are held by a corporation, no transfer or conveyance of a unit shall be valid if the concomitant transfer of the appurtenant membership or stockholding in the corporation will cause the alien interest in such corporation to exceed the limits imposed by existing laws.

Note: Under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 4726, otherwise known as the Condominium Act, foreign nationals can own Philippine real estate through the purchase of condominium units or townhouses constituted under the Condominium principle with Condominium Certificates of Title. The law provides that no condominium unit can be sold without at the same time selling the corresponding amount of rights, shares or other interests in the condominium management body, the Condominium Corporation; and no one can buy shares in a Condominium Corporation without at the same time buying a condominium unit. It expressly allows foreigners to acquire condominium units and shares in condominium corporations up to not more than 40% of the total and outstanding capital stock of a Filipino-owned or controlled corporation. Under this set up, the ownership of the land is legally separated from the unit itself (Hulst v. PR Builders, Inc., G.R. No. 156364, September 25, 2008).

A: Unless otherwise expressly provided in the enabling or master deed or the declaration of restrictions, the incidents of a condominium grant are as follows: 1. The boundary of the unit granted are the interior surfaces of the perimeter walls, floors, ceilings, windows and doors thereof.

d.

e.

5.

Each condominium owner shall have the exclusive right to paint, repaint, tile, wax, paper or otherwise refinish and decorate the inner surfaces of the walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors bounding his own unit.

6.

Each condominium owner shall have the exclusive right to mortgage, pledge or encumber his condominium and to have the same appraised independently of the other condominiums but any obligation incurred by such condominium owner is personal to him.

7.

GR: Each condominium owner has also the absolute right to sell or dispose of his condominium.

XPN: Where several persons own condominiums in a condominium project, an action may be brought by one or more such persons for partition thereof by sale of the entire project, as if the owners of all of the condominiums in such project were co-owners of the entire project in the same proportion as their interests in the common areas:

lobbies, stairways, hallways, and other areas of common use, elevator equipment and shafts, central heating, central refrigeration and central airconditioning equipment, reservoirs, tanks, pumps and other central services and facilities, pipes, ducts, flues, chutes, conduits, wires and other utility installations, wherever located, except the outlets thereof when located

Note: However, a partition shall be made only upon a showing that: 1. three years after damage or destruction to the project which renders material part thereof unit for its use prior thereto, the project has not been rebuilt or repaired substantially to its state prior to its damage or destruction, or 2. damage or destruction to the project has rendered onehalf or more of the units therein untenantable and that condominium owners holding in aggregate more than thirty percent interest in the common areas are opposed to repair or restoration of the project; or 3. the project has been in existence in excess of fifty years, that it is obsolete and uneconomic, and that

There shall pass with the unit, as an appurtenance thereof, an exclusive easement for the use of the air space encompassed by the boundaries of the unit as it exists at any particular time and as the unit may lawfully be altered or reconstructed from time to time.


A non-exclusive easement for ingress, egress and support through the common areas is appurtenant to each unit and the common areas are subject to such easements.

A: GR: Common areas shall remain undivided, and there shall be no judicial partition thereof.

within the unit. 2.

4.

Q: May common areas be divided through judicial partition?

Note: The following are not part of the unit bearing walls, columns, floors, roofs, foundations and other common structural elements of the building:

b. c.

Common areas are held in common by the holders of units, in equal shares, one for each unit, unless otherwise provided.

XPN: If the master deed contains a requirement that the property be first offered to the condominium owners within a reasonable period of time before the same is offered to outside parties;

Q: What are the incidents of a condominium grant?

a.

3.

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SALES

4.

5.

condominium owners holding in aggregate more than fifty percent interest in the common areas are opposed to repair or restoration or remodeling or modernizing of the project; or the project or a material part thereof has been condemned or expropriated and that the project is no longer viable, or that the condominium owners holding in aggregate more than seventy percent interest in the common areas are opposed to continuation of the condominium regime after expropriation or condemnation of a material portion thereof; or the conditions for such partition by sale set forth in the declaration of restrictions, duly registered in accordance with the terms of the Act, have been met.

8. Any reasonable restriction not contrary to law, morals or public policy regarding the right of any condominium owner to alienate or dispose of his condominium. Note: The enabling or master deed may be amended or revoked upon registration of an instrument executed by the registered owner or owners of the property and consented to by all registered holders of any lien or encumbrance on the land or building or portion thereof. The term “registered owner” shall include the registered owners of condominiums in the project. Until registration of a revocation, the provisions of RA. No. 4726 shall continue to apply to such property (Sec. 4, R.A. 4726).

Q: What is the rule regarding issuance of certificate of title where the enabling or master deed provides that the land included within a condominium project are to be owned in common by the condominium owners therein?

Q: What are the requirements before a property be considered divided or to be divided into condominiums? A: An enabling or master deed must be recorded in the Register of Deeds of the province or city in which the property lies and duly annotated in the corresponding certificate of the title of the land, if the latter has been patented or registered under either the Land Registration or Cadastral Acts (Sec. 4, R.A. 4726).

A: The Register of Deeds may, at the request of all the condominium owners and upon surrender of all their "condominium owner's" copies, cancel the certificates of title of the property and issue a new one in the name of said condominium owners as pro-indiviso co-owners thereof.

Q: What must an enabling or master deed contain?

Q: How are deeds, declarations or plans for a condominium project construed?

A: 1. Description of the land on which the building or buildings and improvements are or are to be located;

A: 1. 2.

2. Description of the building or buildings, stating the number of stories and basements, the number of units and their accessories, if any;

Liberally, to facilitate the operation of the project Provisions shall be presumed to be independent and severable.

Q: When should a declaration of restrictions be registered and what is the effect of such?

3. Description of the common areas and facilities; 4. A statement of the exact nature of the interest acquired or to be acquired by the purchaser in the separate units and in the common areas of the condominium project. Where title to or the appurtenant interests in the common areas are or are to be held by a condominium corporation, a statement to this effect shall be included;

A: The owner of a project shall, prior to the conveyance of any condominium therein, register a declaration of restrictions relating to such project. Such restrictions shall constitute a lien upon each condominium in the project, and shall insure to and bind all condominium owners in the project.

5. Statement of the purposes for which the building or buildings and each of the units are intended or restricted as to use;

Note: Such liens, unless otherwise provided, may be enforced by any condominium owner in the project or by the management body of such project.

6. A certificate of the registered owner of the property, if he is other than those executing the master deed, as well as of all registered holders of any lien or encumbrance on the property, that they consent to the registration of the deed;

Q: What should a declaration of restrictions provide? A: The declaration of restrictions shall provide for the management of the project by anyone of the following management bodies: 1. a condominium corporation, 2. an association of the condominium owners, 3. a board of governors elected by condominium owners, or 4. a management agent elected by the owners or by the board named in the declaration. 5. voting majorities, 6. quorums, 7. notices, 8. meeting date, and

7. The following plans shall be appended to the deed as integral parts thereof: a. A survey plan of the land included in the project, unless a survey plan of the same property had previously been filed in said office; b. A diagrammatic floor plan of the building or buildings in the project, in sufficient detail to identify each unit, its relative location and approximate dimensions;

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CIVIL LAW 9.

other rules governing such body or bodies.

6.

Q: What may a declaration of restrictions provide? A: Such declaration of restrictions, among other things, may also provide: 1. As to any such management body; a. For the powers thereof, including power to enforce the provisions of the declarations of restrictions; b. For maintenance of insurance policies, insuring condominium owners against loss by fire, casualty, liability, workmen's compensation and other insurable risks, and for bonding of the members of any management body; c. Provisions for maintenance, utility, gardening and other services benefiting the common areas, for the employment of personnel necessary for the operation of the building, and legal, accounting and other professional and technical services; d. For purchase of materials, supplies and the like needed by the common areas; e. For payment of taxes and special assessments which would be a lien upon the entire project or common areas, and for discharge of any lien or encumbrance levied against the entire project or the common areas; f. For reconstruction of any portion or portions of any damage to or destruction of the project; g. The manner for delegation of its powers; h. For entry by its officers and agents into any unit when necessary in connection with the maintenance or construction for which such body is responsible; i. For a power of attorney to the management body to sell the entire project for the benefit of all of the owners thereof when partition of the project may be authorized under Section 8 of the Condominium Act, which said power shall be binding upon all of the condominium owners regardless of whether they assume the obligations of the restrictions or not. 2. The manner and procedure for amending such restrictions: Provided, That the vote of not less than a majority in interest of the owners is obtained. 3. For independent audit of the accounts of the management body; 4. For reasonable assessments to meet authorized expenditures, each condominium unit to be assessed separately for its share of such expenses in proportion (unless otherwise provided) to its owners fractional interest in any common areas; 5. For the subordination of the liens securing such assessments to other liens either generally or specifically described;


For conditions, other than those provided for in Sections 8 and 13 of the Act, upon which partition of the project and dissolution of the condominium corporation may be made. Note: Such right to partition or dissolution may be conditioned upon: a. failure of the condominium owners to rebuild within a certain period; b. specified inadequacy of insurance proceeds; c. specified percentage of damage to the building; d. a decision of an arbitrator; or e. upon any other reasonable condition.

Q: What is the duty of the Register of Deeds as regards this declaration of restrictions? A: The Register of Deeds shall enter and annotate the declaration of restrictions upon the certificate of title covering the land included within the project, if the land is patented or registered under the Land Registration or Cadastral Acts. Q: What are the restrictions imposed by the law upon corporations which is also the management body of the condominium project? A: The restrictions are as follows: 1. The corporate purposes of such a corporation shall be limited to the: a. holding of the common areas, either in ownership or any other interest in real property recognized by law, b. management of the project, and c. to such other purposes as may be necessary, incidental or convenient to the accomplishment of said purposes. 2. The articles of incorporation or by-laws of the corporation shall not contain any provision contrary to or inconsistent with the: a. provisions of the Act; b. enabling or master deed; or c. declaration of restrictions of the project. Q: May the management body acquire and hold, for the benefit of the condominium owners, tangible and intangible personal property and dispose of the same by sale or otherwise? A: Yes, unless otherwise provided for by the declaration of restrictions. Note: The beneficial interest in such personal property shall be owned by the condominium owners in the same proportion as their respective interests in the common areas. A transfer of a condominium shall transfer to the transferee ownership of the transferor's beneficial interest in such personal property.

Q: What is a condominium corporation?

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SALES A: A corporation specially formed for the purpose, in which the holders of separate interest shall automatically be members or shareholders, to the exclusion of others, in proportion to the appurtenant interest of their respective units in the common areas.

Q: What is the effect of involuntary dissolution of a condominium corporation for any of the causes provided by law? A: 1.

Note: As regards title to the common areas, including the land, or the appurtenant interests in such areas, these may be held by a condominium corporation.

Q: What is the term of a condominium corporation?

The common areas owned or held by the corporation shall, by way of liquidation, be transferred pro-indiviso and in proportion to their interest in the corporation to the members or stockholders thereof, subject to the superior rights of the corporation creditors. Note: Such transfer or conveyance shall be deemed to be a full liquidation of the interest of such members or stockholders in the corporation.

A: Co-terminous with the duration of the condominium project, the provisions of the Corporation Law to the contrary notwithstanding. Q: What are the rules regarding membership in a condominium corporation?

2.

After such transfer or conveyance, the provisions of this Act governing undivided co-ownership of, or undivided interest in, the common areas in condominium projects shall fully apply.

A: Membership in a condominium corporation, regardless of whether it is a stock or non-stock corporation, shall not be transferable separately from the condominium unit of which it is an appurtenance.

Q: When may voluntary dissolution of a condominium corporation be allowed? A: A condominium corporation may be voluntarily dissolved only: 1. when the enabling or the master deed of the project in which the condominium corporation owns or holds the common area is revoked; and 2. upon a showing that: a. three years after damage or destruction to the project in which the corporation owns or holds the common areas, which damage or destruction renders a material part thereof unfit for its use prior thereto, the project has not been rebuilt or repaired substantially to its state prior to its damage or destruction; or b. damage or destruction to the project has rendered one-half or more of the units therein untenantable and that more than thirty percent of the members of the corporation, if non-stock, or the shareholders representing more than thirty percent of the capital stock entitled to vote, if a stock corporation, are opposed to the repair or reconstruction of the project, or c. the project has been in existence in excess of fifty years, that it is obsolete and uneconomical, and that more than fifty percent of the members of the corporation, if non-stock, or the stockholders representing more than fifty percent of the capital stock entitled to vote, if a stock corporation, are opposed to the repair or restoration or remodeling or modernizing of the project; or d. the project or a material part thereof has been condemned or expropriated and that the project is no longer viable, or that the members holding in aggregate more than seventy percent interest in the corporation, if non-stock, or the stockholders representing more than seventy percent of

Note: When a member or stockholder ceases to own a unit in the project in which the condominium corporation owns or holds the common areas, he shall automatically cease to be a member or stockholder of the condominium corporation.

Q: May a condominium corporation sell, exchange, lease or otherwise dispose of the common areas owned or held by it in the condominium project? A: GR: During its existence, it cannot do so. XPN: If authorized by the affirmative vote of all the stockholders or members. Q: Is the so called appraisal right under the Corporation Code available to stockholders or members of a condominium corporation? A: GR: Not available. The law provides that “the by-laws of a condominium corporation shall provide that a stockholder or member shall not be entitled to demand payment of his shares or interest in those cases where such right is granted under the Corporation Law xxx” XPN: If said stockholder or member consents to sell his separate interest in the project to the corporation or to any purchaser of the corporation's choice who shall also buy from the corporation the dissenting member or stockholder's interest. Note: In case of disagreement as to price, the procedure set forth in the appropriate provision of the Corporation Law for valuation of shares shall be followed. The corporation shall have two years within which to pay for the shares or furnish a purchaser of its choice from the time of award. All expenses incurred in the liquidation of the interest of the dissenting member or stockholder shall be borne by him.

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CIVIL LAW the capital stock entitled to vote, if a stock corporation, are opposed to the continuation of the condominium regime after expropriation or condemnation of a material portion thereof; or the conditions for such a dissolution set forth in the declaration of restrictions of the project in which the corporation owns or holds the common areas, have been met.

tax purposes to the owners thereof and the tax on each such condominium shall constitute a lien solely thereon.

Note: An action for voluntary dissolution is that under Rule 104 of the Rules of Court.

Q: What are the rules as regards the notice of assessment?

e.

Q: Who should pay for an assessment upon any condominium made in accordance with a duly registered declaration of restrictions? A: It is an obligation of the owner thereof at the time the assessment is made.

A: The notice: 1. is to be registered with the Register of Deeds of the city or province where such condominium project is located. 2. shall state the following: a. amount of such assessment and such other charges thereon as may be authorized by the declaration of restrictions, b. a description of the condominium unit against which same has been assessed, and c. the name of the registered owner thereof. 3. Such notice shall be signed by an authorized representative of the management body or as otherwise provided in the declaration of restrictions.

Q: May the members or stockholders of a condominium corporation dissolve such corporation? A: Yes, by the affirmative vote of all the stockholders or members thereof at a general or special meeting duly called for the purpose: Provided, that all the requirements of Section 62 of the Corporation Law are complied with. Q: What is the consequence of voluntary dissolution of a condominium corporation? A: GR: The corporation shall be deemed to hold a power of attorney from all the members or stockholders to sell and dispose of their separate interests in the project. XPN: Unless otherwise provided for in the declaration of restrictions

Q: What is the effect if the management body causes a notice of assessment to be registered with the register of deeds?

Q: How is a condominium corporation liquidated?

A: The amount of any such assessment plus any other charges thereon, such as interest, costs (including attorney's fees) and penalties, as such may be provided for in the declaration of restrictions, shall be and become a lien upon the condominium assessed.

A: Liquidation of the corporation shall be effected by a sale of the entire project as if the corporation owned the whole thereof, subject to the rights of the corporate and of individual condominium creditors. Q: What should the Court do if, in an action for partition of a condominium project or for the dissolution of condominium corporation on the ground that the project or a material part thereof has been condemned or expropriated, the Court finds that the conditions provided for in the Condominium Act or in the declaration of restrictions have not been met?

Note: Effect of payment: Upon payment of said assessment and charges or other satisfaction thereof, the management body shall cause to be registered a release of the lien.

Q: What are the rules as regards the lien created in case of unpaid assessments, etc? A: GR: Such lien shall be superior to all other liens registered subsequent to the registration of said notice of assessment

A: The Court may decree a reorganization of the project, declaring which portion or portions of the project shall continue as a condominium project, the owners thereof, and the respective rights of said remaining owners and the just compensation, if any, that a condominium owner may be entitled to due to deprivation of his property.

XPNs: 1. real property tax liens are superior; 2. when declaration of restrictions provide for the subordination thereof to any other liens and encumbrances.

Note: Upon receipt of a copy of the decree, the Register of Deeds shall enter and annotate the same on the pertinent certificate of title.

Q: What is the rule as regards enforcement of the lien?

Q: If real property has been divided into condominiums, how will it be assessed for taxation purposes?

A: Such liens may be enforced in the same manner provided for by law for the judicial or extra-judicial foreclosure of mortgages of real property.

A: Each condominium separately owned shall be separately assessed, for purposes of real property taxation and other UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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SALES Q: Can the management body bid in the foreclosure sale based on the lien for unpaid assessments? A: GR: No, the management body shall have power to bid at foreclosure sale. XPN: Unless otherwise provided for in the declaration of restrictions, Note: The condominium owner shall have the same right of redemption as in cases of judicial or extra-judicial foreclosure of mortgages.

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CIVIL LAW death, but also those which have accrued thereto since the opening of the succession. (Art. 781)

SUCCESSION GENERAL PROVISIONS

Q: What are the rules on transmissibility of rights and obligations?

Q: What is succession?

A: Purely personal rights are extinguished by death. Hence, they are not transmitted to the heirs.

A: Succession is a mode of acquisition by virtue of which the property, rights and obligations to the extent of the value of the inheritance of a person, are transmitted through his death to another or others either by his will or by operation of law. (Art. 774)

GR: patrimonial rights are transmissible to the heirs XPN: 1. Otherwise provided by law 2. by the will of the testator.

Q: What are the requisites of succession? A: DATE 1. 2. 3. 4.

GR: Rights and obligations arising binding upon the heirs.

Death of decedent; Acceptance of the inheritance by the successor; Transmissible estate; Existence and capacity of successor, designated by decedent or law.

XPN: when the rights and obligations arising are not transmissible by a. Their nature b. Stipulation c. Provided by law

Q: What is an inheritance? A: The inheritance includes all the property, rights and obligations of a person which are not extinguished by his death. (Art 776)

Q: What are the rights that are extinguished by death? A: PAPULP 1. Partnership rights 2. Agency 3. Personal easements 4. Usufruct 5. Legal support 6. Parental authority

Note: The heirs succeed not only to the rights of the deceased but also to his obligations.

Q: What is the relation of “Inheritance” to “Succession”? A: Inheritance refers to the objective element of succession, to the mass or totality of the patrimony of a deceased person. Succession, on the other hand refers to the legal mode by which inheritance is transmitted.

Q: May heirs be held liable for the debts or obligations of the decedent?

Q: Who is a decedent?

A: GR: No. It is the estate that pays for the debts left by the decedent.

A: Person whose property is transmitted through succession whether or not he left a will. If the decedent left a will, he is also called a testator. (Art. 774 & 775)

XPN: It is true that the heirs assume liability for the debts of the decedent, although it is limited only to the extent of the value of the inheritance received (Estate of Hemady v. Luzon Surety Co., G.R. No. L-8437, Nov. 28, 1956)

Q: What is transferred by death in succession? A: Only the property, rights and obligations not extinguished by death are transmitted to the heirs.

It is only after the debts are paid that the residue of the estate is distributed among the successors. With respect to obligations arising from contracts, while the same is transmissible to the heirs, the latter’s liability shall, however, be limited only up to the value of the property they received from the decedent. (Art. 1311)

Q: Are after-acquired properties of the decedent transmissible? A: GR: Property acquired during the period between the execution of the will and the death of the testator is not included.

Note: The heirs are not personally liable with their own individual properties for the monetary obligations/debts left by the decedent.

XPN: When a contrary intention expressly appears in the will. (Art. 793)

Q: Before his death, A borrowed from X P1, 000 evidenced by a promissory note. A died without paying the debt. He left no property but he is survived by his son, B, who is making good in the buy and sell business. Subseqeuntly, X brought an action against B for the collection of P1,000 plus legal interest thereon on the groud that, since B is the

Note: Applies only to legacies and devises and not to institution of heirs. The inheritance of a person includes not only the property and the transmissible rights and obligations existing at the time of his


from contracts are

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SUCCESSION only heir of A, he has inherited from the latter not only the latter’s property, but also all his rights and obligations. Will the action prosper? Reason.

When she died, her claim or right to the parcels of land in litigation was not extinguished by her death but was transmitted to her heirs upon her death. Her heirs have thus acquired interest in the properties in litigation and became parties in interest in the case (Bonilla v. Barcena, et al., G.R. No. L-41715, June 18, 1976).

A: The action will not prosper. Money debts are obligations which are intransmissible for they do not constitute a part of the inheritance. This is so because they must be liquidated in the testate or intestate proceedings for the settlement of the estate of the decedent. It is the estate of the deceased, instead of the heirs, which is vested and charged with his rights and obligations which survive after his death. After the money debts are paid, what is left of the estate is distributed among the heirs of the deceased. For this purpose, it has been held that it is the estate rather than the heir which must be considered as the continuation of the decedent’s personality. Consequently, the decedent’s estate is a juridical person. (Limjoco v. Fragante, 80 Phil 776). From this, it is clear that X cannot hold B liable for the payment of the obligation.

Q: Can the heir enter into a contract of sale, conveyance or any disposition pertaining to his interest in the inheritance even pending the settlement of the estate? A: Yes, because his hereditary share/interest in the decedent’s estate is transmitted or vested immediately from the moment of decedent’s death. This is, however, subject to the outcome of the settlement proceedings. Q: What is the nature of the transaction entered into by the heir pertaining to his hereditary share in the estate pending the settlement of the estate?

Q: Is a contract of guaranty extinguished by death?

A: The effect of such transaction is to be deemed limited to what is ultimately adjudicated to the heir. However, this aleatory character of the contract does not affect the validity of the transaction.

A: No, because a contract of guaranty does not fall in any of the exceptions under Art. 1311 (relativity of contracts). A guarantor’s obligation is basically to pay the creditor if the principal debtor cannot pay. Payment does not require any personal qualifications. The personal qualifications become relevant only at the time the obligation is incurred but not so at the time of discharge or fulfillment of the obligation (Estate of Hemady v. Luzon Surety Co., Inc., G.R. No. L-8437, Nov. 28, 1956).

Q: Can an heir sell any particular part of the estate? A: An heir can sell his undivided share of the inheritance but not any particular part of the estate. (Flora v. Prado, GR. No. 156879) An heir can validly convey a property of the estate only in so far as his individual share in the coownership is concerned. (Aguirre v. CA, GR. No. 122249)

Q: The wife died while the action for legal separation was pending. Her children, however, wanted to continue the action. They ask that they be allowed to substitute their deceased mother, arguing that the action should be allowed to continue. Decide.

Q: Can an heir alienate or dispose his interest over his future inheritance during the lifetime of the decedent? A: GR: Contracts entered into upon future inheritance are void. (Art 1347, par. 2)

A: The children cannot be substituted in an action for legal separation upon the death of their mother who filed the case. An action for legal separation is purely personal on the part of the innocent spouse because such an action affects the marital status of the spouses. (Bonilla v. Barcena, G.R. No. L-41715, June 18, 1976)

XPN: Partition inter vivos (Art 1080) Q: What are the requisites for the contract to be classified as one upon future inheritance? A: 1. 2.

Q: Fortunata died while her action for quieting of title of parcels of land was pending. Does her death result in the extinguishment of the action or may her heirs substitute her in the case?

3.

A: Her heirs may substitute her because the action is not extinguished by her death. Since the rights to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the decedent, from that moment, the heirs become the absolute owners of his property, subject to the rights and obligations of the decedent, and they cannot be deprived of their rights thereto except by the methods provided for by law. The right of the heirs to the property of the deceased vests in them upon such death, even before judicial declaration of their being heirs in the testate or intestate proceedings.

The succession has not yet been opened. The object of the contract forms part of the inheritance. The promissory has an expectancy of a right which is purely hereditary in nature with respect to the object.

Q: Can an heir enter into a compromise agreement to renounce his rights over a future inheritance? A: No. Every renunciation or compromise as regards a future legitime between the person owing it and his compulsory heirs is void, and the latter may claim the same upon the death of the former; but they must bring to collation whatever they may have received by virtue of the renunciation or compromise (Art 905).

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CIVIL LAW A future legitime is merely an expectancy, and the heir does not acquire any right over the same until the death of the testator. Hence, juridically, there is nothing on which to compromise. Furthermore, Art. 1347 of NCC expressly provides that, “no contract may be entered into upon future inheritance except in cases expressly authorized by law.”

Q: What kind of “death” is contemplated under the New Civil Code? A: The principle under Art. 777 applies to both: (a) ACTUAL death; and (b) PRESUMPTIVE death. Note: Absentee shall not be considered dead for the purpose of opening his succession till after an absence of ten years. If he disappeared after the age of seventy-five years, an absence of five years shall be sufficient in order that his succession may be opened. (Art. 390, NCC)

Q: Is actual delivery necessary for an heir to acquire ownership over an inherited property? A: No. The possession of hereditary property is deemed transmitted to the heir without interruption and from the moment of the death of the decedent, in case the inheritance is transmitted.

Q: What are the different circumstances of qualified or extraordinary absence in the Civil Code? A: 1.

Q: Pending a proceeding determining the rightful heirs, can the prospective heirs demand delivery of their supposed inheritance? A: Yes. Ownership passes to the heir at the very moment of death.

2.

Q: What is the basis of the heirs’ rights to the fruits, if any?

3.

A person on board a vessel lost during a sea voyage, or an aeroplane which is missing, who has not been heard of for four years since the loss of the vessel or aeroplane; A person in the armed forces who has taken part in war, and has been missing for four years; A person who has been in danger of death under other circumstances and his existence has not been known for four years.

A: The Right of Accession Note: The persons included the aforementioned circumstances are considered dead for all purposes including the division of the estate among the heirs (Art. 391, NCC).

SUCCESSION OCCURS AT THE MOMENT OF DEATH Q: When will the descendant acquire the right to inherit? Does that mean that they automatically become owners of the inheritance?

Note: If there is a doubt, as between two or more persons who are called to succeed each other, as to which of them died first, whoever alleges the death of one prior to the other, shall prove the same; in the absence of proof, it is presumed that they died at the same time and there shall be no transmission of rights from one to the other (Art. 43, NCC).

A: The rights to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the decedent (Art. 777). It is clear that the moment of death is the determining point when the heirs acquire a definite right to the inheritance, whether such right be pure or conditional. The possession of hereditary property is therefore deemed transmitted to the heir without interruption and from the moment of death of the decedent, in case the inheritance is accepted.

KINDS OF SUCCESSION AND SUCCESSORS Q: What are the kinds of succession? A: 1.

The right of the heirs to the property of the deceased vests in them even before judicial declaration of their being heirs in the estate or intestate proceedings.

2.

3.

Testamentary Succession- That which results from the designation of an heir, made in a will executed in the form prescribed by law. (Art 779) Legal or Intestate Succession- That which takes place if a person dies without a will, or with a void will, or one which has subsequently lost its validity. Mixed Succession- that effected partly by will and partly by operation of law. (Art 780) Compulsory Succession- That which takes place compulsorily by operation of law with respect to the legitime in favor of compulsory heirs.

Note: It is immaterial whether a short or long period of time elapses between the death of the predecessor and the entry in the possession of the properties of the inheritance, because the right is always deemed to retroact to the moment of death.

4.

Q: What is the interest of the heir over the inheritance prior to the death of the decedent?

Q: What are the kinds of heirs?

A: His interest is merely inchoate or a mere expectancy

A: 1.

Q: What law determines who the heirs are? A: The law at the time of the decedent’s death.


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Voluntary or testamentary heirs – called to succeed by virtue of the will of the testator: a. Devisee b. Legatee

SUCCESSION

2.

3.

Note: An heir is one who succeeds to the whole (universal) or aliquot part of the estate. Devisee or legatee is one who succeeds to definite, specific, and individualized properties.

Q: Suppose a person is named to succeed to an entire estate. The estate, however, consists of only one parcel of land. Is he an heir or a devisee?

Compulsory – called by law to succeed to a portion of the testator’s estate known as legitime. Those who succeed by force of law to some portion of the inheritance, in an amount predetermined by law, of which they cannot be deprived by the testator, except by a valid disinheritance

A: It depends on the manner of his designation in the will. Here, because he is called to inherit the entire estate, he is an heir.

Legal or Intestate – by operation of law through intestate succession. Those who succeed to the estate of the decedent who dies without a valid will, or to the portion of such estate not disposed of by will.

A: 1.

Q: In what instances do the distinctions between heirs and devisees/legatees become significant?

2. Q: Who are devisees and legatees? A: Devisees are persons to whom gifts of real property are given by virtue of a will. Legatees are persons to whom gifts of personal property are given by virtue of a will.

3.

Q: What are the distinctions between heirs and legatees/devisees? A: HEIRS DEVISEES OR LEGATEES As to representation of deceased’s juridical person Represent the juridical Never represent the personality of the personality of the deceased and acquire their deceased no matter how rights, with certain big the legacy or the exceptions to his devise is obligations Determinability of amount of inheritance Inherit an undetermined Are always given a quantity whose exact determinate thing or a amount cannot be known fixed amount a priori and which cannot be fixed until the inheritance is liquidated Extent of successional right Succeed to the remainder Only succeed to the of the properties after all determinate thing or the debts and all the quantity which is legacies and devices have mentioned in the legacy or been paid or given devise As to when they exist Can exist whether the Only in testamentary succession be testate or succession intestate Effect of preterition The institution of an heir is The legacies and devises entirely annulled remain valid insofar as they are not inofficious. Effect of defective disinheritance In case of imperfect or The legacies and devises defective disinheritance, remain valid to such the institution of an heir is extent as will not impair annulled to the extent that the legitime. the legitimes are impaired.

4.

Preterition. The effect is to annul entirely the institution of heirs but the legacies and devises shall be valid insofar as they are not inofficious. Imperfect/defective disinheritance. The effect is to annul the institution of heirs insofar as it may prejudice the person disinherited but the devises and legacies and other testamentary dispositions shall be valid to such extent as will not impair the legitime. After-acquired property. Such properties are not, as a rule, included among the properties disposed of, unless it should expressly appear in the will itself that such was the testator’s intention. However, this rule is applicable only to legacies and devises, and not to institution of heirs. Acceptance or repudiation of successional rights TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION

Q: What is a will? A: A will is an act whereby a person is permitted, with the formalities prescribed by law, to control to a certain degree the disposition of his estate, to take effect after his death. (Art. 783) Q: What are the characteristics of a will? A: A will is: 1. Statutory right – The making of a will is only a statutory not a natural right. Hence, a will should be subordinated to both the law and public policy. 2. Unilateral act – No acceptance by the transferees is needed during the lifetime of the testator. 3. Strictly personal act – The disposition of property is solely dependent upon the testator. 4. Ambulatory – A will is essentially revocable during the lifetime of the testator. 5. Free from vices of consent – A will must have been executed freely, knowingly and voluntarily, otherwise, it will be disallowed. 6. Individual act – A will must be executed only by one person. A joint will executed by Filipinos even abroad is not allowed in the Philippines. Note: Mutual wills – Separate wills although containing reciprocal provisions are not prohibited, subject to the rule on disposicion captatoria.

7.

271

Solemn or formal act – A will is executed in accordance with formalities prescribed by law. PERSONAL ACT;


CIVIL LAW Testamentary provisions in favor of the poor in general, without designation of particular persons or of any community, shall be deemed limited to the poor living in the domicile of the testator at the time of his death, unless it should clearly appear that his intention was otherwise (Art. 1030, NCC).

NON-DELEGABILITY OF WILL-MAKING Q: What is meant by “strictly personal act”? A: Under Art. 784, the making of a will is a strictly personal act; it cannot be left in whole or in part to the discretion of a third person, or accomplished through the instrumentality of an agent or attorney.

Q: How should the provisions of a will be construed? A: If a testamentary disposition admits of different interpretations, in case of doubt, that interpretation by which the disposition is to be operative shall be preferred. (Art. 788)

Q: What is the rule on non-delegability of will-making? A: It is the exercise of the disposing power that cannot be delegated. But the mere mechanical act of drafting the will may be done by a third person as it does not constitute a delegation of the will or disposition.

Construing the provisions of a will, substance rather than form must be regarded, and the instrument should receive the most favorable construction to accomplish the purpose intended by the testator.

Q: What matters cannot be delegated to the discretion of a third person?

Reason: Testacy is preferred over intestacy because testacy is the express will of the decedent whereas intestacy is only his implied will. (Art. 791)

A: The following cannot be delegated to a third person because they comprise the disposing power of the testator: 1. Duration or efficacy of designation of heirs, legatees, or devisees. 2. Determination of the portions which the heirs are to receive when referred to by name. 3. Determination as to whether or not a disposition is to be operative. (Art. 785 and 787)

Q: What are the rules in the construction of Wills? A: 1.

Note: It is not only the delegation which is void; the testamentary disposition whose effectivity will depend upon the determination of the third person is the one that cannot be made. Hence, the disposition itself is void.

2.

Q: What, on other hand, may be entrusted to third persons? A: 1.

2.

3.

Distribution of specific property or sums of money that the testator may leave in general to specified classes or causes Designation of the persons, institutions or establishments to which such property or sums are to be given or applied. (Art. 786)

Reason: testator namely: a. b.

4.

Here, there is really no delegation because the has already set the parameters required by law,

Q: What is the parol evidence rule with respect to interpretation of the wills?

The specification of property or sums of money The specification of classes or causes.

A: When there is an imperfect description, or when no person or property exactly answers the description, mistakes and omissions must be corrected, if the error appears from the context of the will or from extrinsic evidence, excluding the oral declarations of the testator as to his intention; and when an uncertainty arises upon the face of the will, as to the application of any of its provisions, the testator's intention is to be ascertained from the words of the will, taking into consideration the circumstances under which it was made, excluding such oral declarations. (Art.789)

In effect, the third person will only be carrying out the will of the testator as determined by these parameters. Note: Should the testator dispose of the whole or part of his property for prayers and pious works for the benefit of his soul, in general terms and without specifying its application, the executor, with the court's approval shall deliver one-half thereof or its proceeds to the church or denomination to which the testator may belong, to be used for such prayers and pious works, and the other half to the State, for the purposes mentioned in article 1013. (Art. 1029, NCC)


Words of the will are to be taken in their ordinary and grammatical sense unless there is a clear intention to use them in another sense can be gathered, and that can be ascertained. (Art. 790) Technical words are to be taken in their technical sense, unless: a. The context clearly indicates a contrary intention or b. It satisfactorily appears that he was unacquainted with such technical sense. (Ibid.) The invalidity of one of several dispositions contained in a will does not result in the invalidity of the other dispositions unless it is to be presumed that the testator would not have made such other dispositions if the first invalid disposition had not been made. (Art. 792) Every devise or legacy shall cover all the interest in the property disposed of unless it clearly appears from the will that he intended to convey a less interest. (Art. 794)

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SUCCESSION residence; 3.NCC

Q: What are the kinds of ambiguities in a will? A: 1.

TESTAMENTARY CAPACITY AND INTENT Latent (Intrinsic) ambiguities – Ambiguities which are not apparent on the face of a will but to circumstances outside the will at the time the will was made. E.g. If it contains an imperfect description of person or property; No peson or property exactly answers the description.

Q: Who can make a will? A: All persons who are not expressly prohibited by law may make a will (Art. 796). The capacity of a person to make a will shall be governed by his national law (Art. 15, NCC).

Example: Testator gives a legacy “to my cousin Anna” and it will turn out that the testator has three cousins named “Anna”

Note: The ability as well as the power to make a will must be present at the time of the execution of the will.

Q: What are the requisites of testamentary capacity? 2.

Patent (Extrinsic) ambiguities – Those which are apparent on the face of the will. E.g. Uncertainty which arises upon the face of the will as to the application of any of its provisions. (Art. 789)

A: 1. 2. 3.

Example: Testator gives a devise “to some of the eleven children of my only brother"

Note: It shall be sufficient if the testator was able at the time of making the will to know the: a. nature of the estate to be disposed of; b. proper objects of his bounty; and c. character of the testamentary act.

Q: What are the steps in resolving the ambiguities? A: 1. 2.

Examine the will itself; Refer to extrinsic evidence or the surrounding circumstances, except oral declarations of the testator as to his intention.

Q: What is meant by sound mind? A: To be of sound mind, it is not necessary that the testator be in full possession of all his reasoning faculties or that his mind be wholly unbroken, unimpaired or unshattered by disease, injury or other cause. It shall be sufficient if the testator was able at the time of making the will to know the nature of the estate to be disposed of, the proper objects of his bounty, and the character of the testamentary act.

Q: What law governs the validity of wills? A: 1.

2.

All persons not expressly prohibited by law At least 18 years of age; and Of sound mind

As to extrinsic validity - refers to the forms and solemnities required by law. It is governed by: a. As to time - the law in force at the time of the making of the will. b. As to place - the will can be executed in accordance to the formalities of the testator’s nationality, domicile, residence or the place where the will was executed depending on the place where it is executed and the nationality of the testator. As to Intrinsic validity- refers to the legality of provisions in the will. It is governed by: a. As to time- the law in force at the time of the decedent’s death. b. As to place- the national law of the testator governs the intrinsic validity of the will regardless of the place of execution.

The requirement that the testator be of sound mind is essential only at the time of the making of the will (or execution). If he is not of sound mind at that time, the will is invalid regardless of his state of mind before or after such execution. In other words, the will of an incapable will not be validated by supervening capacity. Note: Conversely, if the testator was of sound mind at the time of the making of the will, the will is valid even if the testator should later on become insane and die in that condition. In other words, supervening incapacity does not invalidate an effective will.

Q: If there is no proof as to the soundness of the mind of the testator at the time he executed his will, what is the status of his will assuming that he complies with all other requisites for its validity?

Place of execution Applicable Law Testator is a Filipino Philippines New Civil Code (NCC)

A: The will is valid. The law presumes that every person is of sound mind, in the absence of proof to the contrary.

Foreign country

Law of the place of execution Testator is an alien Philippines NCC or National law Foreign country 1.National law; 2. Law of the place of

Such presumption of soundness of mind, however, does not arise if the testator was: 1. Publicly known to be insane, one month, or less, before making his will; 2. Under guardianship at the time of the making of the will.

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CIVIL LAW Note: Mere weakness of mind or partial imbecility from disease of body or from age does not necessarily render a person incapable of making a will.

FORMAL VALIDITY RULES Q: What law governs the forms and solemnities of wills?

Q: Who has the burden of proving that the testator acted in lucid interval?

A: It is the law of the country where the will was executed st that governs the form and solemnities of wills. (Art. 17, 1 paragraph; Art. 815)

A: The person who maintains the validity of the will has the burden of proving that the testator made the will during a lucid interval.

Q: What are included in the due execution of the will? A: It includes a determination of whether 1. the testator was of sound and disposing mind at the time of its execution, 2. that he freely executed the will and was not acting under duress, fraud, menace or undue influence and 3. that the will is genuine and not forgery, 4. that he was of proper testamentary age 5. that he is not expressly prohibited by law from making a will.

Q: Is there a difference between testamentary capacity and testamentary power? A: No. Testamentary capacity refers to the ability as well as the power to make a will. In American law, testamentary capacity is concerned with the ability of the testator while the testamentary power involves a privilege under the law. Hence, although a person may have testamentary capacity, it does not necessarily follow that he has testamentary power. In the Philippines, however, such distinction is lost altogether. As a matter of fact, the term testamentary power is sometimes understood to refer to the power of the testator to designate the person or persons who are to succeed him in his property and transmissible rights and obligations.

Q: What are the effects of a will executed by an alien abroad? A: The will of an alien who is abroad produces effect in the Philippines if made with the formalities prescribed by the law of the place in which he resides, or according to the formalities observed in his country, or in conformity with those which the Civil Code prescribes. (Art. 816)

Q: Is a person suffering from civil interdiction qualified to make a will?

Q: What are the effects of a will executed by an alien in the Philippines?

A: Yes. He is deprived only of the power to dispose of his properties through acts inter vivos but not through acts mortis causa. (Art. 34, Revised Penal Code)

A: It shall produce the same effect as if it was executed in the Philippines if it is executed in accordance with the law of the country where he is a citizen or subject, and which might be proved and allowed by the law of his own country. (Art. 817)

Q: Is a married woman required to obtain the consent of the husband and the authority of the court before she can make a will? A: No. A married woman may make a will without the consent of her husband, and without the authority of the court. (Art 802)

Q: Is a joint will executed by a Filipino in a foreign country valid?

Note: A married woman may dispose by will all her separate property as well as her share of the conjugal partnership or absolute community property. (Art 803)

A: No. The same holds true even if it is authorized by the law of the country where the joint will was executed. (Art. 819) A joint will is against the public policy of the Philippines.

Q: May an illiterate execute a will?

LAW GOVERNING SUBSTANTIVE VALIDITY

A: GR: Yes, an illiterate can make an ordinary or notarial will because the law allows a notarial will to be written by someone else and in certain cases, for the will to be read by someone else not the testator.

Q: What are the matters mentioned in Article 15 of the New Civil Code which are governed by Philippine laws? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

XPN: The illiterate cannot make a holographic will because it is required to be in writing by the testator.

Family rights and duties Status; Condition; and Legal capacity of persons. (Art. 15)

Q: What are the matters pertaining to intestate and testamentary successions which are regulated by the national law of the deceased? A: UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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SUCCESSION 1. 2. 3. 4.

Order of succession Amount of successional rights Intrinsic validity of testamentary provisions Capacity to succeed. (Art. 16; Art. 1039)

Q: Is it presumed that the testator knows the dialect of the locality where he resides? A: If the testator resides in a certain locality, it can be presumed that he knows the dialect or the language in the said locality. (Abangan v. Abangan, G.R. No. 13431, Nov. 12, 1919)

Q: What are the formal requirements common to both notarial and holographic wills? A: 1. 2. 3.

Note: The fact that the testator knew the language need not appear on the face of the will. This fact may be proven by extrinsic evidence.

Law governing extrinsic validity of wills; In writing; In a language or dialect known to the testator.

Q: Does this rule apply to witnesses in a notarial or attested will?

Note: The object of the solemnities surrounding the execution of wills is to close the door against bad faith and fraud, to avoid substitution of wills and testaments and to guarantee their truth and authenticity.

A: No. The rule only applies to the testator, whether in notarial or holographic will. Further, Art. 805 is clear that the attestation clause need not be in the language known to the witnesses.

Q: Is the rule that every will must be in writing mandatory?

Q: What are the formalities in the execution of a notarial will?

A: Yes. If the will is not in writing, it is void and cannot be probated.

A: WESA-PNAN 1. In Writing; 2. Executed in a language or dialect known to the testator; 3. Subscribed at the end thereof by the testator himself or by the testator’s name written by some other person in his presence, and by his express direction; 4. Attested and subscribed by three or more credible witnesses in the presence of the testator and of one another; 5. The testator or the person requested by him to write his name must also sign every Page, except the last, on the left margin in the presence of the witnesses;

Note: Philippine laws do not recognize the validity of “noncupative wills,” which are oral wills declared or dictated by the testator and dependent merely on oral testimony.

Q: In case of a holographic will, what is the requirement for its validity? A: It must be entirely handwritten by the testator himself. (Art. 810) Q: What are the rules in relation to notarial or attested wills? A: Notarial or attested will may be: 1. entirely handwritten by a person other than the testator; 2. partly handwritten by the testator himself and partly handwritten by another person; 3. entirely printed, engraved or lithographed; or 4. partly handwritten (whether by testator or another person) and partly printed, engraved or lithographed.

Note: All the pages must be signed by the testator. The exception pertains to the signature at the left margin and not the signature itself. Signature at the left margin on the last page is no longer a mandatory requirement since the testator will already sign it at the end of the will.

6.

NOTARIAL WILLS

7.

Q: Is the rule that every will must be executed in a language known to the testator mandatory? A: Yes, otherwise, the will is void. (Suroza v. Honrado, 110 SCRA 388). It is also applicable eve if the provisions of the will are interpreted or explained to the testator. Q: Is the fact that the will was executed in a language known to the testator required to be stated in the attestation clause? A: No. This fact can be established by extrinsic evidence or evidence aliunde. (Lopez v. Liboro, 81 Phil. 429)

All the pages shall be Numbered correlatively in letters on the upper part of each page; Must contain an Attestation clause which expressly states the following: a. The number of pages used upon which the will is written; b. The fact that the testator signed the will and every page thereof, or caused some other person to write his name, under his express direction, in the presence of the instrumental witnesses; c. The fact that the witnesses witnessed and signed the will and all the pages thereof in the presence of the testator and of one another. Note: The attestation clause is executed by the witnesses to the will and not the testator. Hence,

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CIVIL LAW

8.

even if the language used in the attestation clause is not known to the testator, but only to the witnesses, the will still remains valid.

by the testator to be his signature. (Garcia v. La Cuesta, GR. No. L-4067)

Must be acknowledged before a Notary public by the testator and the witnesses.

The three witness rule required for the validity of an ordinary will is satisfied provided either two of the conditions exist:

Note: A jurat is insufficient as the law requires an acknowledgment executed by the party before a notary public, not a declaration of the notary public.

1.

Q: What is the effect if one or some of the requisites are lacking?

2.

A: Lack of one of the requisites is a fatal defect which will render the will null and void

Roberta could see Clara and the other witnesses at any time while she was in the toilet, had she wanted to. If Roberta could not have seen Clara and the other witnesses sign the will, the same is valid if the will was acknowledged before a notary public other than Benjamin.

It is not necessary that the testator or the witnesses should actually see the other subscribe their names to the instrument provided that he is in the position to see them sign if he chooses. Thus signing must be considered in the presence of Hannah who was reading a book on the couch beside the table.

Q: Where must the testator sign the will? A: The signature of the testator of the will must be at the end of the will, which may be in the logical end (last testamentary disposition) or physical end (non dispositive provisions).

Q: In an ordinary will, may the testator validly delegate the signing to someone else?

Q: What is the effect of testamentary dispositions placed in the will after the signature of the testator?

A: Yes. A will is valid if it is signed by way of the testator’s name written by some other person in his presence, and by his express direction.

A: Where the signature is followed by dispositive provisions, even the portion of the instrument preceding the signature cannot be probated, because the instrument must be considered as a whole.

Q: May a notary public serve as one of the instrumental witnesses?

Note: Signing before the end invalidates not only the dispositions that come after but the entire will, because then one of the statutory requirements of signing at the end would not have been complied with (Azuela v. CA 487 SCRA 119).

A: No. The notary public before whom the will was acknowledged cannot be considered as the third instrumental witness since he cannot acknowledged before himself having signed the will. He cannot split his personality into two so that one will appear before the other to acknowledged his participation in the making of the will. To permit such a situation to obtain would be sanctioning a sheer absurdity (Cruz v. Villasor, 52 SCRA 31)

Q: Is a fingerprint sufficient signature? A: In notarial will, it is allowed as long as it is voluntarily made but not in holographic will because it presupposes that he knows how to write.

SPECIAL RULES FOR HANDICAPPED TESTATORS Q: Is a cross a sufficient signature? Q: What are the special requirements if the testator is deaf or mute?

A: No, except If it is (1) the customary, habitual signature or (2) one of the ways he sign his signature. The one who alleges that it is the customary, habitual or one of the ways he sign his signature has the burden of proof.

A: 1.

Q: Clara, thinking of her mortality, drafted a will and asked Roberta, Hannah, Luisa and Benjamin to be witnesses. During the day of the signing of the will, Clara fell down the stairs and broke both her arms. Coming from the hospital, Clara, insisted on signing her will by thumbmark and said she will sign her full name. Later Clara was run over by a drunk driver while crossing the street in Greenbelt. May the will of Clara be admitted to probate? Give your reason briefly. (2007 Bar Question)

2.

Note: The law does not require that the persons reading and communicating the contents of the will be the instrumental witnesses.

Q: What are the special requirements if the testator is blind?

A: Yes. The will of Clara may be probated. A thumbmark has been considered by the SC as a valid signature if intended


If the testator is able to read, he must personally read the will; or If the testator is unable to read, he must designate two persons to read it and communicate to him, in some practicable manner, the contents thereof. (Art. 807)

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SUCCESSION A: The will shall be read to him twice, once by one of the subscribing witnesses, and another time by the notary public before whom the will is acknowledged. (Art. 808)

A: It is at the time of the attestation of the will. If the witnesses attesting the execution of a will are competent at the time of attesting, their becoming subsequently incompetent shall not prevent the allowance of the will.

Note: Art. 808 applies not only to blind testators but also to those who, for one reason or another, are incapable of reading their wills, either because of poor or defective eye sight or because of illiteracy.

Q: Would a person qualified to make a will necessarily be qualified to be a witness to the will of another? A: A person qualified to make a will is not necessarily qualified to be a witness to the will of another. Even if a person can make a will because he can comply with the age and mental requirements imposed by law, he cannot be a witnees to the will of another in four specific cases. They are:

SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE Q: When is a will not rendered invalid by reason of defects or imperfections in the form of attestation or in the language used therein? A: In the absence of bad faith, forgery, or fraud, or undue and improper pressure and influence, defects and imperfections in the form of attestation or in the language used therein shall not render the will invalid if it is proved that the will was in fact executed and attested in substantial compliance with all the requirements of article 805. (Art 809)

1. 2. 3. 4.

Where he is not domiciled in the Philippines Where he had been convicted of falsification of a document, perjury or false testimony Where he is blind, deaf or dumb Where he is not able to read or write.

Q: What is the rule if an instrumental witness is a beneficiary under the will?

Q: What is the rule in cases of omissions in the will?

A: If a person attest to the execution of a will, to whom or to whose spouse, or parent or child, a devise or legacy is given by such will, such devise or legacy shall, so far only as concerns such person, or spouse, or parent, or child of such person, or any one claiming under such person or spouse, or parent, or child, be void unless there are three other competent witnesses to such will. (Art 823)

A: Omissions which can be supplied by an examination of the will itself, without the need of resorting to extrinsic evidence, will not be fatal and, correspondingly, would not obstruct the allowance to probate of the will being assailed. However, evidence aliunde are not allowed to fill a void in any part of the document or supply missing details that should appear in the will itself. They only permit a probe into the will, an exploration into its confines, to ascertain its meaning or to determine the existence or absence of the requisite formalities of law (Cañeda v. CA, G.R. No. 103554, May 28, 1993).

Note: If the witness is instituted as heir, not as devisee or legatee, the rule would still apply, because undue influence or pressure on the part of the attesting witness would still be present.

Q: Stevie was born blind. He went to school for the blind, and learned to read in Braille language. He speaks English fluently. Can he:

WITNESSES Q: What are the qualifications of witnesses?

1. Make a will?

A: Witnesses to a will must be: S18-ABCD 1. Of Sound mind. 2. At least 18 years of age. 3. Able to read and write 4. Not Blind, deaf or dumb

A: Yes. Stevie may make a notarial will. A blind man is not expressly prohibited from executing a will. In fact, Art. 808 of NCC provides for additional formality when the testator is blind. Stevie however, may not make a holographic will in Braille because the writing in Braille is not a handwriting. A holographic will to be valid must be entirely written, signed and dated by the testator in his own handwriting.

Note: While a blind or deaf may Not be a witness, he could be a testator in a notarial will

2. Act as a witness to a will? 5.

6.

Not have been Convicted by final judgment of falsification of a document, perjury or false testimony. Domiciled in the Philippines – his habitual residence must be in the Philippines (Art. 50, NCC)

A: No. A blind man is disqualified by law to be a witness to a notarial will. 3. In either of the instances, must the will be read to him? (2008 Bar Question)

Note: The witnesses must be domiciled in the Philippines applies only if a Filipino citizen executes his will in the Philippines.

A: In case Stevie executes a notarial will, it has to be read to him twice. First by one of the instrumental witnesses and second by the notary public before whom the will was acknowledged.

Q: When qualifications of witnesses determined?

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CIVIL LAW Q: Can a notarial will still be considered valid even if one of the instrumental witnesses is of unsound mind as long as the testator is of sound mind?

the original unaltered text can be given effect. (Kalaw v. Relova, G.R. No. L-40207, Sept. 28, 1984)

A: No. The will shall be void since it was expressly provided under Art.820 of the NCC that for a witness to a notarial or attested will to be qualified, he/she must be of sound mind.

2.

Where the alteration affects the date of the will or the signature of the testator, the whole will is void.

Q: Can one of the instrumental witnesses be the person who signs the will of the testator by writing his name in his presence and upon his express direction?

3.

If the words written by a 3 person were contemporaneous with the execution of the will, even though authenticated by the testator, the entire will is void for violation of the requisite that the holographic will must be entirely in the testator’s handwriting.

A: No. The person signing the testator’s name must not be one of the 3 instrumental witnesses because he must sign in the presence of the testator and of three other instrumental witnesses.

Q: In a holographic will, where must the signature be?

Note: The essential thing for validity (if a witness is the one who would sign under the presence of the testator and under his express direction or the signing by an agent of the testator) is that the agent write the testator’s name¸ nothing more (Barut v. Cabacungan, 21 Phil. 461).

A: The signature must be at the end of the will. This can be inferred from Article 812 of the NCC by the reference to dispositions “written below his signature.” This phrase implies that the signature is at the end of the will, and any disposition below it must further be signed and dated.

HOLOGRAPHIC WILLS

Q: What is the effect of a testamentary disposition after the signature? Will it affect the validity of a will?

Q: What is a holographic will?

A: “In a holographic will, the dispositions of the testator written below his signature must be dated and signed by him in order to make them valid as testamentary dispositions” (Art. 812). If one disposition below the signature of the testator is not dated, even if signed, that particular disposition is void, without affecting the validity of the others or of the will itself.

A: A holographic will is one entirely written, dated, and signed by the hand of the testator himself. It is subject to no other form, and may be made in or out of the Philippines, and need not be witnessed. (Art. 810) Q: What are the formalities required in the execution of holographic will? A: 1. 2. 3.

rd

Note: When a number of dispositions appearing in a holographic will are signed without being dated, and the last disposition has a signature and a date, such date validates the dispositions preceding it, whatever be the time of prior dispositions (Art. 813, NCC)

Entirely handwritten by the testator, Dated Signed by the hand of the testator himself

Q: What are the effects of insertions or interpolations rd made by a 3 person?

Q: Is it required that the date of the will should include the day, month and year of its execution?

A: GR: When a number of erasures, corrections, cancellation, or insertions are made by the testator in the will but the same have not been noted or authenticated with his full signature, only the particular words erased, corrected, altered will be invalidated, not the entirety of the will.

A: GR: The "date" in a holographic will should include the day, month, and year of its execution.

XPNs: 1.

XPN: When there is no appearance of fraud, bad faith, undue influence and pressure and the authenticity of the will is established and the only issue is whether or not the date appearing on the holographic will is a valid compliance with Art. 810 probate of the holographic will should be allowed under the principle of substantial compliance.

Where the change affects the essence of the will of the testator;

Note: The day and month may be indicated by implication as long as there is no doubt as to the exact date. The date may be placed at the end or at the beginning of the will, or in the body, although its normal location should be after the signature.

Note: When the holographic will had only one substantial provision, which was altered by substituting the original heir with another, and the same did not carry the requisite full signature of the testator, the entirety of the will is voided or revoked.

Q: Where must the date be placed in a holographic will? A: The law does not specify the particular location where the date should be placed in the will. The only

Reason: What was cancelled here was the very essence of the will; it amounted to the revocation of the will. Therefore, neither the altered text nor UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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SUCCESSION requirements are that the date be in the will itself and executed in the hand of the testator.

the standard writings of the testator. (Rodelas v. Aranza, 119 SCRA 16)

Q: Is it required that the will be executed on a single day, at one time and in the same ink?

ALTERATIONS, REQUIREMENTS Q: What are the rules in case of insertion, cancellation, erasure or alteration?

A: No. The unity of the act is not required in holographic wills.

A: In case of insertion, cancellation, erasure or alteration in a holographic will, the testator must authenticate the same by his full signature. (Art. 814)

Q: What are the rules governing the probate of holographic wills?

Note: Full signature refers to the testator’s habitual, usual and customary signature.

A: In the post mortem probate of holographic wills, the following rules are to be observed as to the number of witnesses to be presented: 1.

2. 3.

Q: What is the effect if the insertion, cancellation, erasure or alteration is not authenticated with the testator’s full signature?

If the will is not contested, it shall be necessary that at least one witness who knows the handwriting and signature of the testator explicitly declares that the will and the signature are in the handwriting of the testator. If the will is contested, at least three of such witnesses shall be required. In the absence of any competent witness and if the court deems it necessary, expert testimony may be resorted to. (Art. 811)

A: It is considered as not made, but the will is not invalidated. It does not affect the validity of the will itself. The will is not thereby invalidated as a whole, but at most only as regards the particular words erased, corrected or inserted. (Kalaw v. Relova, 132 SCRA 237, 1984), citing Velasco v. Lopez, (1 Phil 720, 1903), unless the portion involved is an essential part of the will, such as the date. Note: Where the testator himself crossed out the name of the heir named, and substituted the name of another, without authentication, it was held that this did not result in making the person whose name was crossed as heir. The effect of this is that the entire will is voided or revoked for the simple reason that nothing remains in the will after that which could remain valid (since one of the essential part of the will, the designation of heir, is avoided by lack of proper authentication) (Kalaw v. Relova, 132 SCRA 237).

Q: In the probate of a holographic will, the will was contested. Is the requirement for at least three witnesses to explicitly declare that the signature in the will is the genuine signature of the testator mandatory or permissive? A: The requirement is mandatory. In the case of Ajero v. Court of Appeals, the Court held that “the object of the solemnities surrounding the execution of wills is to close the door against bad faith and fraud, to avoid substitution of wills and testaments and to guaranty their truth and authenticity.

JOINT WILLS Q: Are joint wills allowed in the Philippines? A: Two or more persons cannot make a will jointly, or in the same instrument, either for their reciprocal benefit or for the benefit of a third person. (Art. 818)

Therefore, the laws on this subject should be interpreted in such a way as to attain these primordial ends. But, on the other hand, also one must not lose sight of the fact that it is not the object of the law to restrain and curtail the exercise of the right to make a will.

Wills, prohibited by Article 818, executed by Filipinos in a foreign country shall not be valid in the Philippines, even though authorized by the laws of the country where they may have been executed. (Art. 819)

Q: May the contents and due execution of a lost holographic will be established merely through oral testimonies of witness who allegedly seen the same?

Note: Mutual wills – Separate wills although containing reciprocal provisions are not prohibited, subject to the rule on disposition captatoria.

A: No. The execution and contents of a lost or destroyed holographic will may not be proved by the bare testimony of witnesses who have seen or read such will. The will itself must be presented; otherwise, it shall produce no effect (Gan v. Yap, 104 Phil. 509; id.)

Q: What is the reason why joint wills are prohibited? A: Whether in the Philippines or in foreign country, Filipino citizens are prohibited from executing joint wills because it is a matter of public policy. Joint wills may lead to the commission of parricide. (In re Will of Bilbao, 87 Phil. 114; Dacanay v. Florendo)

Q: May a holographic will which was lost or could not be found be proved by means of a photostatic copy (photocopy)? A: Yes. A photostatic copy or xerox copy of the holographic will may be allowed because comparison can be made with

Q: John and Paula. British citizens at birth, acquired Philippine citizenship by naturalization after their

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CIVIL LAW marriage. During their marriage the couple acquired substantial landholdings in London and in Makati. Paula bore John three children, Peter, Paul and Mary. In one of their trips to London, the couple executed a joint will appointing each other as their heirs and providing that upon the death of the survivor between them the entire estate would go to Peter and Paul only but the two could not dispose of nor divide the London estate as long s they live. John and Paula died tragically in the London Subway terrorist attack in 2005. Peter and Paul filed a petition for probate of their parents’ will before a Makati Regional Trial Court. Should the will be admitted to probate? (2008 Bar Question)

Q: What formalities are required in the execution of the codicil? A: The formalities which are required in the execution of the codicil are the same those required in the execution of the will. Q: Is a codicil a will per se? A: GR: No. A codicil is a supplement or addition to a will made after the exection of a will and annexed to be taken as a part thereof (Art.825)

A: No, the will cannot be admitted to probate. Joint wills are void under the New Civil Code. And even if the joint will executed by Filipinos abroad were valid where it was executed, the joint will is still not valid in the Philippines.

XPN: If the latter instrument makes disposition independent of those in the original will, without explaining or modifying such original will, then it is a new WILL, and it must be executed in accordance with all the formalities required in executing a will.

Q: Are the testamentary dispositions valid? (2008 Bar Question)

Q: What are the distinctions between a codicil and a subsequent will?

A: If a will is void, all testamentary dispositions contained in that will are also void. Hence, all testamentary provisions contained in the void joint will are also void.

A:

Q: Is the testamentary prohibition against the division of the London estate valid? (2008 Bar Question) A: The testamentary prohibition against the division by Peter and Paul of the London estate for as long as they live, is not valid. Art. 494 of NCC provides that a donor or testator may prohibit partition for a period which may not exceed twenty (20) years. Q: Manuel, a Filipino, and his American wife Eleanor, executed a joint will in Boston, Massachusetts when they were residing in said city. The law of Massachusetts allows the execution of joint wills. Shortly thereafter, Eleanor died. Can the said will be probated in the Philiipines for the settlement of her estate? (2000 Bar Question) A: Yes, the will may be probated in the Philippines insofar as the estate of Eleanor is concerned. While the Civil Code prohibits the execution of joint wills here and abroad, such prohibition applies only to Filipinos. Hence, the joint will which is valid where executed is valid in the Philippines but only with respect to Eleanor. Under Article 819, it is void with respect to Manuel whose joint will remains void in the Philippines despite being valid where executed.

CODICIL

SUBSEQUENT WILL

Forms a part of the original will.

It is a new or a separate will.

Supplements the original will, explaining, adding to, or altering any of its dispositions.

Makes dispositions without reference to and independent of the original will.

Does not, as a rule, revoke entirely the prior will.

If it provides for a full disposition of the testator’s estate, may revoke the whole prior will by substituting a new and last disposition for the same.

A will and a codicil, being regarded as a single instrument are to be construed together.

A prior will and a subsequent will, being two separate wills, may be construed independently of each other.

Q: If the former will is a notarial will, is it required that the codicil be notarial in form as well? A: No. The law does not require that the codicil be also in the form of a notarial will. It may either be in the form of a holographic will or notarial/attested will.

CODICILS

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Q: What is a codicil?

Q: What is incorporation by reference?

A: A codicil is a supplement or addition to a will, made after the execution of a will and annexed to be taken as part thereof, by which any disposition made in the original will is explained, added to, or altered. (Art. 825)

A: Incorporation by reference is the incorporation of an extrinsic document or paper into a will by reference so as to become a part thereof. Note: The documents or papers incorporated will be considered part of the will even though the same are not executed in the form of a will. The doctrine of incorporation by reference is not


280

SUCCESSION applicable in a holographic will unless the documents or papers incorporated by reference are also in the handwriting of the testator.

A: Revocation based on a false or illegal cause is null and void.

Q: What are the requisites of incorporation by reference?

Requisites: 1. The cause must be concrete, factual and not purely subjective 2. It must be false 3. The testator must not know of its falsity 4. It must appear from the will that the testator is revoking because of the cause which is false.

A: EDIS 1.

2.

3.

4.

The document or paper referred to in the will must be in Existence at the time of the execution of the will; The will must clearly Describe and identify the same, stating among other things the number of pages thereof; It must be Identified by clear and satisfactory proof as the document or paper referred to therein; It must be Signed by the testator and the witnesses on each and every page, except in case of voluminous books of account or inventories. (Art. 827)

Note: The rule is if the revocation is based on a false or illegal cause, it is null and void (Art. 833) while institution of heir based on false cause as a general rule does not affect the validity or efficacy of the institution (Art. 850).

Q: What are the modes of revoking a will? A: 1. 2. 3.

Note: Incorporation by reference applies only to attested wills because of the mention of witnesses in paragraph 4 of Art. 827 (Rabuya, Civil Law Reviewer, 2009 ed.)

REVOCATION OF WILLS

Q: Discuss revocation by implication of law

Q: When may the testator revoke a will?

A: It takes place when certain acts or events take place subsequent to the making of a will, which nullify or render inoperative either the will itself or some testamentary disposition therein.

A: A will may be revoked by the testator at any time before his death. Any waiver or restriction of this right is void. (Art. 828)

Rationale: The law presumes a change of mind on the part of the testator due to certain changed circumstance pertaining to the family relations or in the status of the property.

Q: May the right of the testator to revoke the will be waived or restricted? A: No, the testator’s right to revoke during his lifetime is absolute because a will is ambulatory. It can neither be waived nor restricted. As a matter of fact, even if the will has already been admitted to probate during the testator’s lifetime, it may still be revoked. This necessarily follows from the principle that “a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.”

Q: What are the instances when revocation by implication of law takes place? A: 1.

Q: What law governs in case of revocation? A: 1.

2.

By implication of law; By the execution of a subsequent document; By physical destruction through burning, cancelation or obliteration. (Art. 830)

If the revocation takes place in the Philippines, whether the testator is domiciled in the Philippines or in some other country – Philippine laws If the revocation takes place outside the Philippines: a. by a testator who is domiciled in the Philippines – Philippine laws b. by a testator who is not domiciled in this country – i. Laws of the place where the will was made, or ii. Laws of the place in which the testator had his domicile at the time of revocation. (Art. 829)

2.

3.

Q: What is the rule in case of revocation based on false or illegal cause?

4.

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Upon the termination of the subsequent marriage in Article 41 of the FC through the filing of the affidavit of reappearance, the spouse who contracted the marriage in bad faith shall be disqualified to inherit from the innocent spouse by testate and intestate succession. Hence, any testamentary disposition in the will of the innocent spouse in favour of the guilty spouse shall be revoked by implication of law (Art. 43, par. 5, FC). If both spouses of the subsequent marriage referred in Art. 41 of the FC acted in bad faith, testamentary dispositions by one in favour of the other are revoked by operation of law (Art. 44, FC). In case of annulment, the spouse who contracted the marriage in bad faith shall be disqualified to inherit from the innocent spouse by testate and intestate succession. Hence, any disposition in the will of the innocent spouse in favour of the guilty spouse shall be revoked by operation of law (Art. 50 in relation to Art. 43, par. 5, FC). Upon issuance of the decree of legal separation, provisions in favor of the offending spouse made in


CIVIL LAW

5.

6.

7.

8.

Note: In implied revocation, the first will is not instantly revoked by the second will because the inconsistent testamentary dispositions of the latter do not take effect immediately but only after the death of the testator.

the will of the innocent spouse shall be revoked by operation of law (Art. 63, par. 4, FC). In case of preterition of compulsory heirs in the direct line, whether living at the time of the execution of the will or born after the death of the testator. In such case, the preterition shall annul the institution of heir; but the devises and legacies shall be valid insofar as they are not inofficious (Art. 854, NCC) When the heir, devisee or legatee commits any of the acts of unworthiness which by express provision of law will incapacitate him to succeed. In such case, any testamentary disposition in favour of such heir, devisee or legatee is revoked (Art. 1032, NCC) When in the testator’s will there is a legacy of a credit against a third person or of the remission of a debt of the legatee, and subsequently, after the execution of the will, the testator brings an action against the debtor for the payment of his debt. In such case, the legacy is revoked (Art. 935 and 936, NCC) When the testator (a) transforms the thing bequeathed in such a manner that it does not retain either the form or denomination it had, or (b) when he alienates by any title or for any cause the thing bequeathed or any part thereof, or (c) when the thing bequeathed is totally lost during the testator’s lifetime or after his death without the heir’s fault. In such cases, the legacy is revoked (Art. 957, NCC) (Rabuya, Civil Law Reviewer, 2009 ed.)

Q: Can there be an instance where a subsequent will, which is incompatible with the prior will, and such prior will subsist at the same time? A: Yes. The fact that the subsequent will is posterior and incompatible with the first does not mean that the first is entirely revoked because the revocation may be total or partial. Note: In case of inconsistent wills, the subsequent will prevails over the prior will because it is the latest expression of testamentary intent of the testator.

Q: What is the effect if the revoking will becomes inoperative by reason of incapacity of heirs or renunciation? A: A revocation made in a subsequent will shall take effect even if the new will should become inoperative by reason of the incapacity of the heirs, devisees or legatees designated therein, or by their renunciation. (Art. 832) Q: What are the ways for physically destroying a will? A: BTCO 1. Burning 2. Tearing 3. Cancelling 4. Obliterating

Q: What are the requisites of revocation by subsequent will or codicil? A: 1. 2. 3.

4.

The subsequent instrument must comply with the formal requirements of a will The testator must possess testamentary capacity The subsequent instrument must either contain a revocatory clause or be incompatible with the prior will (totally or partially) The revoking will must be admitted to probate.

Q: What are the requisites of revocation by physical act of destruction? A: OTAP 1. Overt act of physical destruction; 2. Testamentary capacity of the testator at the time of performing the act of revocation; 3. Animus Revocandi - intention to revoke; 4. Performed by testator himself or other person in the presence and express direction of the testator.

Note: The testator must have the testamentary capacity at the time of the making of the subsequent will.

Q: In what ways may revocation by a subsequent will be done?

Note: It is not necessary that the will be totally destroyed. It is sufficient if on the face of the will, there is shown some sign of the physical act of destruction. (Maloto v. CA, G.R. No. 76464, Feb. 29, 1988)

A: Revocation may be: a. Express – by providing for a revocatory clause; b. Implied – provisions are completely inconsistent with previous will.

Q: How can a will be revoked by physical destruction? Note: The will containing the revocatory clause must itself be valid, and admitted to probate, otherwise, there is no revocation.

A: The physical act of destruction of a will, like burning, does not per se constitute an effective revocation, unless the destruction is coupled with animus revocandi on the part of the testator. (Maloto v. CA, G.R. No. 76464, Feb. 29, 1988)

Q: What is the Principle of Instanter? st

A: The express revocation of the 1 will renders it void nd because the revocatory clause of the 2 will, not being st testamentary in character, operates to revoke the 1 will instantly upon the execution of the will containing it.


Q: Is it imperative that the physical destruction be done by the testator himself?

282

SUCCESSION A: No. It may be performed by another person under his express direction and in his presence. If the destruction done by a person other than the testator is made not in his presence or not upon his express direction, there is no revocation.

expressly revoked his first will, which he tore his first will to pieces. Upon the death of Mr. Reyes, his second will was presented for probate by his heirs, but it was denied due to formal defects. Assuming that a copy of the first will is available, may it now be admitted to probate and given effect? Why? (2003 Bar Question)

Q: What is the effect if the person directed by the testator to revoke his will is incapacitated to make a will such as when he is below 18 years of age?

A: Yes, the first will may be admitted to probate and given effect. When the testator tore the first will, he was under the mistaken belief that the second will was perfectly valid and he would not have destroyed the first will had he known that the second will is not valid. The revocation by destruction therefore is dependent on the validity of the second will. Since it turned out that the second will was invalid, the tearing of the first will did not produce the effect of revocation. This is known as the doctrine of dependent relative revocation (Molo v. Molo, G.R. No. L2538, Sept. 21, 1951)

A: None. In revocation of wills, what is essential is the capacity of the testator to revoke. The capacity of the person directed by the testator to revoke his will is immaterial. Q: In 1919, Miguel executed a will. In the post mortem probate, there was a testimony to the effect that the will was in the testator’s possession in 1919, but it can no longer be found. Is the will revoked?

Q: The will contains a statement whereby the testator recognizes his illegitimate child. This will was revoked. May the revoked will be used as basis for proving the said recognition?

A: Yes, the Doctrine of Presumed Revocation applies, which provides that: where a will which cannot be found, is shown to have been in the possession of the testator when last seen, the presumption is, in the absence of other competent evidence, that the same was cancelled or destroyed. The same presumption arises where it is shown that the testator had ready access to the will and it cannot be found after his death (Gago v. Mamuyac G.R. No. 26317, Jan. 29, 1927).

A: Yes. Recognition in a will of an illegitimate child does not lose its legal effect even if the will is revoked. REPUBLICATION AND REVIVAL OF WILLS Q: What is Republication of wills?

Note: The presumption is, however, not conclusive and anyone may prove the contrary to rebut the presumption.

A: It is the re-execution or the re-establishment by a testator of a will which is void or a will which the testator had once revoked.

Q: What is the Doctrine of Dependent Relative Revocation?

Q: What are the two ways of republishing wills?

A: Where the testator’s act of destruction is connected with the making of another will, so as fairly to raise the inference that the testator meant the revocation of the old to depend upon the efficacy of the new disposition intended to be substituted, the revocation will be conditional and dependent upon the efficacy of the new disposition; and if, for any reason, the new will intended to be made as a substitute is inoperative, the revocation fails and the original will remains in full force. But a mere intent to make at some time a will in place of that which is destroyed will not render the destruction conditional. It must appear that the revocation is dependent upon teh valid execution of a new will (Molo v. Molo, G.R. No. L-2538, Sept. 21, 1951).

A: 1. By Reproduction - the contents of a previous will are reproduced in a subsequent will 2. By Execution of a Codicil - such codicil referring to the previous will to be republished Q: Can there be republication by execution of a codicil if the previous will is void as to its form? A: No. If the previous will is void as to its form, it can only be republished by reproducing the provisions thereof in a subsequent will.

Simply put, for this doctrine to operate, the testator must have intended that the revocation of his first will be dependent on the validity of his second will. In this case the intention of the testator is clear: He does not want to die intestate.

Q: What is Revival of wills? A: It is the process of renewing the operative force of a will which had once been revoked by the testator. Q: What is the rule on revival of wills?

Note: Failure of the new testamentary disposition upon whose validity the revocation depends is equivalent to the non-fulfillment of a suspensive condition and thus prevents the revocation of the original will.

A: 1. If there is an EXPRESS REVOCATION The revocation of the second will does not revive the first will The previous will can only be revived by republication

Q: Mr. Reyes executed a will completely valid as to form. A week later, however, he executed another will which

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CIVIL LAW 5. 2. If there is an IMPLIED REVOCATION The subsequent will which impliedly revoked the previous will revives the latter

Imprescriptible;

Q: What are the different kinds of probate?

ALLOWANCE AND DISALLOWANCE OF WILLS PROBATE REQUIREMENT

A: 1.

Q: What is probate?

2.

A: It is a special proceeding mandatorily required for the purpose of establishing the validity of a will.

Ante-mortem – testator himself petitions the court for the probate of his own will. Post-mortem – another person applies for probate of the will after the testator’s death.

Q: What are the questions that can be determined by a probate court?

No will shall pass either real or personal property unless it is proved and allowed in accordance with the Rules of Court. (Art. 838)

A: GR: Probate courts cannot inquire into the intrinsic validity of will. The only questions that can be determined by a probate court are the:

It means to prove before some officer or tribtunal, vested by law with authority for that purpose, that the instrument offered to be proved is the will and testament of the deceased person whose testamentary act is alleged to be, and that it is executed, attested, and published as required by law, and that the testator was of sound and disposing mind.

1. Due execution 2. Testamentary capacity 3. Identity of the will Note: Probate deals with the will’s extrinsic validity. The court merely inquires on its due execution. It does not determine the validity of each and every disposition made in it.

The presentation of the will for probate is mandatory, and is a matter of public policy.

XPN: In testate succession, there can be no valid partition among the heirs, until after the will has been probated.

1.

Q: May the parties agree to waive the probate proceedings?

2.

A: No. It is a mandatory requirement. Until admitted to probate, no right can be claimed thereafter. Q: Is the principle of estoppel applicable in probate proceedings?

3.

A: No. These proceedings involve public interest and the application therein of the principle of estoppel would seem inimical to public policy when it will block the ascertainment of truth surrounding the execution of a testament.

Q: The testator devised a part of his estate to his concubine, which fact of concubinage was stated in his will. On probate, the court ruled that the will was validly executed but the devise in favor of the concubine is null and void. Can the probate court pass upon the intrinsic validity of the testamentary provision stated in the will?

Q: Does prescription apply to probate of wills? A: The statute of limitations is not applicable to probate of wills (Imprescriptibility of Probate)

A: Yes. While as a general rule, in probate proceedings, the court’s area of inquiry is limited to an examination and resolution of the extrinsic validity of the will, given exceptional circumstances, the probate court is not powerless to do what the situation constrains it to do and pass upon certain provisions of the will, as in this case. (Nepomuceno v. CA, G.R. No. 62952, Oct. 9, 1985)

Rationale: Probate proceedings are not established in the interest of the surviving heirs, but primarily for the protection of the expressed wishes of the testator. Q: What are the characteristics of a probate proceeding? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Note: The SC held as basis it’s finding that in the event of probate of the will, or if the court rejects the will, probability exists that the case will come up once again on the same issue of the intrinsic validity or nullity of the will, the same will result in waste of time, effort, expense plus added anxiety.

Special proceeding; Proceeding in rem; Not contentious litigation; Mandatory; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

When the defect of the will is apparent on the face and the probate of the will may become a useless ceremony if it is intrinsically invalid; For practical considerations as when there is preterition of heirs, or testamentary provisions are of doubtful legality (E.g. when the will is void on its face or in case of incapacity to be a legatee or devisee because he is also prohibited to be a done of the decedent, (Sec. 1028, NCC); By agreement of the parties to determine first the intrinsic validity of the will.

284

SUCCESSION Q: Can a probate court decide on questions of ownership? Also, as Francisco’s surviving spouse, Tasiana was his compulsory heir. Wherefore, barring unworthiness or valid disinheritance, her successional interest existed independent of Francisco's last will and testament and would exist even if such will were not probated at all. Thus, the prerequisite of a previous probate of the will, as established in the Guevara and analogous cases, can not apply to the case.

A: GR: A probate court has no jurisdiction to decide questions of ownership. XPN: 1. When the parties voluntary submit the issue of ownership to the court; 2. When provisionally, the ownership is passed upon to determine whether or not the property involved is part of the estate. 3. The question of ownership is an extraneous matter which the probate court cannot resolve with finality.

Note: Neither the aleatory character of the contract nor the coetaneous agreement that the numerous litigations between the parties are to be considered settled and should be dismissed, although such stipulation gives the contract the character of a compromise, affect the validity of the transaction. (De Borja, et al. v. Vda. de Borja, G.R. No. L-28040, Aug. 18, 1972)

Q: When Vic died, he was survived by his legitimate son, Ernesto, and natural daughter, Rosario. Rosario, who had Vic’s will in her custody, did not present the will for probate. She instituted an action against Ernesto to claim her legitime on the theory that Vic died intestate because the absence of probate. To support her claim, she presented Vic’s will, not for its probate, but for proving that Vic acknowledged her. Is the procedure adopted by Rosario allowed?

Q: What is the scope of a final decree of probate? A: A final decree of probate is conclusive as to the due execution and extrinsic validity of the will, i.e., as to the extrinsic or formal validity only. Also, it settles the question of whether the testator, being of sound mind, freely executed it in accordance with the formalities set forth by law.

A: No. It is in violation of procedural law and an attempt to circumvent and disregard the last will and testament of the decedent. The presentation of a will to the court for probate is mandatory and its allowance by the court is essential and indispensable to its efficacy (Guevara v. Guevara G.R. No. 48840, Dec. 29, 1943)

Q: After an ante mortem proceeding, the will was allowed. Later on, during the post mortem probate proceedings, one of the heirs filed a criminal case alleging falsification in the execution of the will. Will the action prosper? A: No. Pursuant to Sec. 1, Rule 75 of the Rules of Court, the probate court inquires into its due execution. Regardless of whether it is ante mortem or post mortem, once an issue of due execution has already been passed upon by the probate court, it would constitute res judicata if such issue be raised again. In the present scenario, the issue on due execution was already passed upon and therefore, allegations of whatever ground assailing the due execution of the will, will be barred by res judicata.

Q: To put an end to the numerous litigations involving decedent Francisco’s estate, his heirs entered into a compromise agreement whereby they agreed to pay Tasiana, Francisco’s surviving spouse, P800,000 as her full share in the hereditary estate. When submitted to the court for approval, Tasiana attacked its validity on the ground that the heirs cannot enter into a compromise agreement without first probating Francisco’s will. Tasiana relied on Guevara v. Guevara (74 Phil. 479) where the court held that the presentation of a will for probate is mandatory and that the settlement and distribution of an estate on the basis of intestacy when the decedent left a will, is against the law and public policy. Decide.

Q: If a probate court passed upon the intrinsic validity of a will pursuant to the exceptions as regards its powers and jurisdiction, may the decision of that probate court be considered as res judicata? A: Yes. As a general rule, a probate court may only pass upon the extrinsic validity of the will. However, by virtue of the exceptions, the probate court may pass upon the intrinsic validity of a will. If it does so, then it will constitute as a ruling on such issues on the intrinsic validity and questioning such again in a different proceeding shall be barred by res judicata.

A: The Guevara ruling is not applicable in this case because here, there was no attempt to settle or distribute the estate among the heirs before the probate of the will. The clear object of the contract was merely Tasiana’s conveyance of any and all her individual share and interest, actual or eventual in the estate. There is no stipulation as to any other claimant, creditor or legatee.

Note: A joint will even if invalid but has been probated by the court and whose decision was not appealed, already constitutes res judicata, and has a conclusive effect. The error committed by the probate court was an error of law that should have been corrected by appeal, but which did not affect the jurisdiction of the probate court nor the conclusiveness of its final decision, however erroneous since the final judgment is binding upon the whole world (De la Cerna v. Potot, 12 SCRA 576).

As a hereditary share in a decedent's estate is transmitted or vested immediately from the moment of the death of such predecessor in interest, there is no legal bar to a successor (with requisite contracting capacity) disposing of her or his hereditary share immediately after such death, even if the actual extent of such share is not determined until the subsequent liquidation of the estate.

285


CIVIL LAW with a clause in the defective will, the payment is effective and irrevocable.

GROUNDS FOR DENYING PROBATE Q: What are the grounds for disallowance of a will?

Q: Who can intervene in probate proceedings?

A: FIFUSM 1. The Formalities required by law have not been complied with; 2. The testator was Insane or otherwise mentally incapable of making a will, at the time of its execution; 3. The will was executed through Force or under duress, or influence of fear or threats; 4. The will was procured by Undue and improper pressure and influence, on the part of the beneficiary or some other person; 5. The Signature of testator was procured by fraud. 6. The testator acted by Mistake or did not intend that the instrument he signed should be his will at the time of affixing his signature thereto.(Art. 839)

A: The person who intervenes must have an interest in the estate or in the will, or in the property to be affected by it, either as executor or claimaint of the estate, and an interested party is one who would be benefited by the estate such as an heir or one who has a claim against the estate like a creditor. INSTITUTION OF HEIRS Q: How is institution of heir defined under Article 840? A: Institution of heir is an act by virtue of which a testator designates in his will the person or persons who are to succeed him in his property and transmissible rights and obligations (Art. 840, NCC). Note: Institution cannot be allowed to affect the legitime.

Q: When do the following constitute as grounds for disallowance? 1.

There can be an instituted heir only in testamentary succession.

Q: What are the requisites of a valid institution?

Violence

A: 1.

A: When in order to compel the testator to execute a will, serious or irresistible force is employed 2.

Note: The testator must have the testamentary capacity to make the institution.

Intimidation A: When the testator is compelled by a reasonable and well-grounded fear of an imminent and grave evil upon his person or property of his spouse, descendants, or ascendants, to execute the will

3.

2.

The institution must be intrinsically valid; Note: The legitime must not be impaired, the person instituted must be identified or identifiable, and there is no preterition.

Undue Influence 3. A: When a person takes improper advantage of his power over the will of another, depriving the latter of a reasonable freedom of choice.

4.

The will must be extrinsically valid;

The institution must be effective. Note: No repudiation by the heir; testator is not predeceased by the heir.

Q: Can there be a valid will which does not institute an heir?

Mistake A: Pertains to the “mistake in execution” which may either be: 1. mistake as to the identity or character of the instrument which he signed, or 2. mistake as to the contents of the will itself.

Q: What is the effect if the grounds for disallowance is proved?

A: Yes, a will is valid even if it contains only a provision for disinheritance or if only legacies and devises are contained in the will even though it does not contain an institution of heir, or such institution should not comprise the entire estate, and even though the person so instituted should not accept the inheritance or should be incapacitated to succeed (Art. 841).

A: The will in such case shall be set aside as VOID.

Q: What are the three principles in the institution of heirs?

Note: In case of natural obligations, when a will is declared void because it has not been executed in accordance with the formalities required by law, but one of the intestate heirs, after the settlement of debts of the deceased, pays a legacy in compliance

A: 1.


286

Equality – heirs who are instituted without a designation of shares inherit in equal parts.

SUCCESSION Note: Applies only when the heirs are of the same class or same juridical condition and involves only the free portion.

XPNS: 1. If the identity can become certain by some event or circumstance, the disposition is valid. It is important, however, that the event or circumstance must appear in the will itself; it cannot be shown by extrinsic evidence, either oral or documentary 2. A disposition in favor of a definite class or group of persons shall be valid.

As between a compulsory heir and a voluntary heir and they are instituted without any designation of shares, the legitime must first be respected and the free portion shall then be equally divided between them.

2.

Individuality – heirs collectively instituted are deemed individually instituted unless contrary intent is proven.

Q: May evidence aliunde be presented to identify the uknown person?

Note: Art. 847 itself gave an example, when the testator institutes some heirs individually and others collectively as when he says, “I designate my heirs A and B, and the children or C,” those collectively designated shall be considered as individually instituted, unless it clearly appears that the intention of the testator was otherwise.

3.

A: No. The determinate event or circumstance, sufficient to indicate with certainty the person whom the testator wants to favor, must appear in the will itself; it cannot be shown by extrinsic evidence, either oral or documentary.

Simultaneity – when several heirs are instituted, they are instituted simultaneously and not successively, unless the contrary is proved.

Note: If there is merely a latent ambiguity as to the identity of the heir, extrinsic evidence other than the oral declaration of the testator may be used, but if his identity is unknown, extrinsic evidence is not allowed.

Q: How must a testator designate an heir? A: Generally, the heir must be designated by his name and surname. This rule is not, however, mandatory. Even when the name of the heir has been omitted but the testator has designated the heir in such a manner that there can be no doubt as to who has been instituted, the institution is valid.

Q: What is the effect if the institution of heir is based on a false cause?

Q: How must designation be made if two or more persons have the same names?

XPN: If from the will itself, it appears that the testator would not have made the institution if he had known the falsity of the cause, the institution shall be void.

A: GR: The institution of heir is valid. The false cause shall be considered simply as not written.

A: The testator must indicate some circumstance by which the instituted heir may be known. If the testator fails to mention any circumstance regarding the heir instituted and there appear to persons bearing the same name, there is latent ambiguity and extrinsic evidence other than the oral declaration of the testator as to his intention is admissible to resolve the ambiguity.

Note: The rule is, if the revocation is based on a false or illegal cause, it is null and void (Art. 833) while institution of heir based on false cause as a general rule does not affect the validity or efficacy of the institution (Art. 850).

Q: What is the reason for the general rule that institution of heir, though based on false cause, does not affect the validity or efficacy of the institution?

Q: May a conceived child be instituted as an heir?

A: Because testamentary dispositions are ultimately based on liberality. As such, the false cause is merely incidental to the ultimate cause of making the disposition which is the testator’s liberality. Unless it be shown that the testator would not have made such institution if he had known the falsity of such cause, which is the reason for the disposition (Art. 850, NCC).

A: A conceived child may be instituted, provided the conditions in Arts. 40 and 41 are present (Conceptus pro nato habetur). Note: A conceived child, although as yet unborn, has a limited and provisional personality (Quimiguing v. Icao, G.R. No. 26795, 1970). Its personality is essentially limited because it is only for purposes favourable to the child. Its personality is provisional because it depends upon the chil being born alive later under the following conditions: 1. The child must be alive for at least 24 hours from complete delivery, if it had an intra-uterine life of less than 7 months. 2. The child must be alive even only for a few hours from complete delivery, if it had an intra-uterine life of at least 7 months (Art. 41, NCC)

Q: What are the various kinds of institution? A: Institution of heir may be: 1. With a condition 2. With a term 3. For a certain purpose or cause (modal Institution)

Q: If the disposition is in favor of an unknown person, is such valid?

Note: Conditions, terms and modes are not presumed, they must be clearly expressed in the will. The condition must fairly appear from the language of the will. Otherwise, it shall be considered pure.

A: GR: Every disposition in favor of an unknown person shall be void.

Q: What is a condition?

287


CIVIL LAW A: it is future or uncertain event or a past event unknown to the parties, upon which the performance of an obligation depends.

the condition and the disposition are void but the validity of the other provisions, including the will itself, shall not be affected.

Q: What are the kinds of condition?

Reason for the prohibition: Disposition captatoria is incompatible with good faith and with the nature of testaments; it is immoral and contrary to the freedom to make wills.

A: Resolutory Condition The disposition becomes effective upon the death of the testator but is extinguished upon the happening of the condition.

Suspensive Condition The effectivity of the disposition is suspended until the fulfillment of the condition.

Q: What are the instances when a violation of the NCC would not invalidate the will? A: 1.

Q: What is the effect of an impossible condition on the testamentary disposition? A: Impossible conditions and those contrary to law or good customs shall be considered as not imposed and shall in no manner prejudice the heir, even if the testator should otherwise provide. (Art. 873)

2.

3. Q: What is the rule on the imposition of condition, charge or burden on the legitimes?

Q: What are the instances when a violation of the NCC would invalidate the will not just the provision?

A: GR: The testator cannot impose any charge, condition or substitution whatsoever upon the legitimes. If a charge condition or substitution is imposed, it shall be considered as not imposed.

A: 1. 2. 3.

XPN: Testator can validly impose a prohibition against the partition of the legitime for a period not exceeding 20 years.

Joint wills (Art. 818) False cause in case of revocation (Art. 833) Disposition Captatoria (Art. 875)

Q: What are the kinds of suspensive conditions? A: 1.

Note: The legitime passes by strict operation of law, independently of the testator’s will. As such, any condition, burden, or substitution upon the same is merely considered by law as not imposed (Art. 872, Civil Code).

Q: What is the rule regarding conditions on the prohibition to marry?

Purely Potestative – the fulfillment of the condition depends solely upon the will of the heir, devisee or legatee GR: The condition must be fulfilled as soon as the heir learns of the testator’s death. XPN: If the condition has already been fulfilled and it cannot be fulfilled again and the condition was already complied with at the time he learns of the testator’s death.

A: GR: An absolute condition not to contract a first or subsequent marriage is not a valid condition and shall be considered as not written (Art. 874). However, the validity of the disposition itself shall not be affected. 2. XPN: If such condition was imposed on the widow or widower by the deceased spouse or by the latter’s ascendants or descendants, in which case, the condition is valid. (Art. 874)

3.

Note: If the prohibition is relative with respect to persons, time or place, such conditions is valid and must be complied with unless the testator renders it impossible for the heir to marry at all.

Casual – The fulfillment of the condition depends solely on chance or on the will of a third person. Mixed – The fulfillment of the condition depends partly on chance and partly on the will of the heir, devisee, or legatee.

Q: What are the rules for casual and mixed conditions? A: GR: The condition may be fulfilled any time, either before or after the testator’s death unless the testator provides otherwise.

Q: What is a Disposition Captatoria? A: Any disposition made upon the condition that the heir shall make some provision in his will in favor of the testator or of any other person shall be void (Art. 875). Here, both


False cause in case of institution of heir because it is merely considered not written unless from the will itself, it appears that the testator would not have made the institution if he had known the falsity of the cause, the institution shall be void (Art. 850) Charge, condition or substitution whatsoever upon the legitimes shall be considered as not written (Art.872) Defect in the fideicommisary substitution will not affect the will (Art. 868)

XPN:

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SUCCESSION 1.

2.

Note: The heir instituted has a right to receive his share in the inheritance upon the death of the testator and loses his right only when he violates the condition.

If the condition is fulfilled at any time before the death of the testator, the condition is deemed fulfilled, unless the testator provides otherwise. If condition is already fulfilled at the time of the execution: a. Testator is unaware- The condition is deemed complied with or fulfilled. b. Testator is awarei. If the condition can no longer be fulfilled again, it is deemed fulfilled. ii. If the condition can still be fulfilled, there is a need to fulfill it again.

Q: What is a term? A: It is any future and certain event upon the arrival of which the validity or efficacy of a testamentary disposition subject to it, depends. Note: A disposition with a suspensive term does not prevent the instituted heir from acquiring his rights and transmitting them to his heirs even before the arrival of the term.

Q: What is the effect of a Suspensive Condition? A: 1. 2.

3. 4.

Heir, Devisee, or legatee acquires no rights until the condition is fulfilled. If he dies before the condition is fulfilled, he transmits no rights to his heirs, even though he survived the testator.

Reason: The right of the heir instituted subject to a term is vested at the time of the testator's death - he will just wait for the term to expire. Before the arrival of the term, the property should be delivered to the intestate heirs but a caucion muciana must be posted by them (Art. 885 par. 2)

Reason: Capacity to succeed by the conditional heir must be determined both at the time of the death of the testator and at the time of the fulfillment of the condition.

If the heir dies after the testator but before the term expires, he transmits his rights to his own heirs because of the vested right.

Once the condition is fulfilled, its effects retroact to the moment of the death of the testator. If the suspensive condition is not fulfilled, the estate will be placed under administration until: a. The condition is fulfilled, in which case the estate should be given to the instituted heir; b. It becomes obvious that it cannot be fulfilled, in which case, the estate should be given to the intestate heirs.

Suspensive Term The right of the heir instituted subject to a term is vested at the time of the testator’s death. Hence, if he dies after the testator but before the term expires, he can transmit his rights to his own heirs.

Q: Must there be actual or strict fulfillment of the condition, or is constructive or substantial fulfillment sufficient? A: 1. 2.

3.

Suspensive Condition The instituted heir does not acquire any successional right upon the death of the testator as long as teh condition is not yet fulfilled. Hence, upon the death of the instituted heir, prior to the fulfillment of the condition, no right is transmitted to his heirs.

Q: When the disposition is subject to a term, what should be done by the instituted heirs or legal heirs so that they can enjoy possession of the property?

Casual Condition- there must be actual or strict fulfillment. Potestative Condition- there can be constructive fulfillment, i. e. Heir or legatee has done everything to perform the condition and yet for some reason or another it cannot be fulfilled. Mixed ConditionGR: There must be actual or strict fulfillment

A: If the disposition is subject to a: 1. Suspensive term- The legal heirs can enjoy possession of the property until the expiration of the period but they must put up a bond (caucion muciana) in order to protect the right of the instituted heir. 2. Resolutory term- The legal heirs can enjoy possession of the property but when the term arrives, he must give it to the legal heirs. The instituted heir does not have to file a bond.

XPN: There can be constructive fulfillment when the heir has done everything in his power to comply and still the condition is not fulfilled because it was prevented by a third party interes in its nonfulfillment.

Q: What is “Caucion Muciana”?

Q: What is negative potestative condition?

A: A caucion muciana is a security or bond required from the conditional heir in order to secure the rights of those who would succeed to the property upon violation of the condition.

A: It consists in the non-performance of an act or not giving something. (Art. 879)

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CIVIL LAW Q: What are the instances when caucion muciana is needed? A: 1.

2.

Q: The testatrix devised a parcel of land to Dr. Rabadilla. It was provided that Dr. Rabadilla will acquire the property subject to the obligation, until he dies, to give Maria 100 piculs of sugar, and in the event of non-fulfillment, the property will pass to the nearest descendants of the testatrix.

Suspensive term - the legal heir shall be considered as called to the succession until the arrival of the period. But he shall not enter into possession of the property until after having given sufficient security, with the intervention of the instituted heir (Art. 885 par. 2). Negative potestative condition - If the potestative condition imposed upon the heir is negative, or consists in not doing or not giving something, he shall comply by giving a security that he will not do or give that which has been prohibited by the testator, and that in case of contravention he will return whatever he may have received, together with its fruits and interests (Art. 879).

When Dr. Rabadilla died, Maria filed a complaint to reconvey the land alleging that the heirs of Dr. Rabadilla violated the condition. Is the institution of Dr. Rabadilla, a modal institution? A: Yes, because it imposes a charge upon the instituted heir without, however, affecting the efficacy of such institution. In a modal institution, the testator states the object of the institution, the purpose or application of the property left by the testator, or the charge imposed by the testator upon the heir. A mode imposes an obligation upon the heir or legatee but it does not affect the efficacy of his rights to the succession. The condition suspends but does not obligate; and the mode obligates but does not suspend. (Rabadilla v. CA, G.R. No. 113725, June 29, 2000)

Note: If the heirs do not post the required bond in case of a suspensive term or a negative potestative condition, the estate shall be placed under administration (Art. 880, NCC).

3.

Mode - That which has been left in this manner may be claimed at once provided that the instituted heir or his heirs give security for compliance with the wishes of the testator and for the return of anything he or they may receive, together with its fruits and interests, if he or they should disregard this obligation. (Art. 882).

PRETERITION Q: What is preterition?

Q: What is a mode?

A: Preterition is the omission in testator’s will of one, some or all of the compulsory heirs in the direct line, whether living at the time of execution of the will or born after the death of the testator. (Art. 854)

A: It is an obligation imposed upon the heir to do or to give something Modal institution – statement of 1. Object of the institution, 2. Application of the property left by the testator, 3. Charge imposed by him.

Q: What does “born after the death of the testator” mean? A: It simply means that the omitted heir must already be conceived at the time of death of the testator but was born only after the death of the testator.

Q: What is a modal disposition? A: A “mode” imposes an obligation upon the heir, devisee or legatee, but it does not affect the efficacy of his rights to the succession. The mode obligates but does not suspend.

Q: What are the requisites of preterition? A: 1. 2.

Q: How does a mode differ from a condition? A:

3.

MODE CONDITION Imposes an The condition must obligation upon the happen or be fulfilled heir, devisee or in order for the heir legatee, but it does to be entitiled to not affect the succeed the testator. efficacy of his rights to the succession. Obligates but does Suspends but does not suspend not obligate In case of doubt, the institution should be considered as modal not conditional.


4.

There is a total omission in the inheritance; The person omitted is a compulsory heir in the direct line; The omitted compulsory heir must survive the testator, or in case the compulsory heir predeceased the testator, there is a right of representation; Nothing must have been received by the heir by gratuitous title.

Q: May a spouse be preterited? A: No. While a spouse is a compulsory heir, he/she is not in the direct line (ascending or descending). Note: The surviving spouse shall only be entitled to recover his legitime but the institution of heirs shall not be annulled.

290

SUCCESSION Q: When is there a total omission of a compulsory heir?

Q: May the omission of an adopted child amount to preterition?

A: There is total omission when the heir: 1.

Receives nothing under the will whether as heir, legatee, or devisee;

A: Yes. It is submitted that an adopted child is by legal fiction considered a compulsory heir in the direct line. Besides an adopted child is by law given all of the successional rights of a legitimate child.

Note: If a compulsory heir is given a share in the inheritance, no matter how small, there is no preterition.

Q: May the decedent’s parents be preterited? A: Yes, if there is an absence of legitimate compulsory heirs in the descending line. This is the effect of the application of the rule on preference of lines.

However, if a compulsory heir gets less than his legitime, while this is not a case of preterition. In this case, he is entitled to a completion of his legitime under Art. 906.

Q: Who are the compulsory heirs in the direct line? 2.

Has received nothing by way of donation inter vivos or propter nuptias; and

A: 1. Legitimate children and descendants with respect to their legitimate parents or ascendants; 2. Legitimate parents of ascendants, with respect to their legitimate children and descendants; 3. Illegitimate children; 4. The father or mother of illegitimate children

Note: If a compulsory heir has already received a donation from the testator, there is no preterition.

Reason: A donation to a compulsory heir is considered an advance of the inheritance. 3.

The heir will receive nothing by way of intestate succession. (e.g. if the heir is not mentioned in the will nor a recipient of a donation inter vivos and all of the estate is disposed by will)

Note: The surviving spouse is not included. An adopted child is by legal fiction considered a compulsory heir in the direct line.

Q: What are the distinctions and similarities between ineffective disinheritance and preterition?

Q: What are the effects of preterition? A: A: 1. 2. 3.

INEFFECTIVE PRETERITION DISINHERITANCE Distinctions A testamentary Omission in the disposition depriving tetsator’s will of the any compulsory heir of forced heirs or any of his share in the legitime them for a cause authorized by law The institution remains The institution of heirs valid, but must be is completely annulled. reduced insofar as the Hence, the annulment legitime has been is in toto, unless there impaired. Such nullity of are in addition, institution is limited testamentary only to that portion of dispositions in the which, the disinherited form of legacies and heir has been devices which shall unlawfully deprived of. remain valid so long as they are not inofficious. The omission is By mere mistake or intentional in which inadvertence resulting case the institution of in the fact that the heir is not wholly void compulsory heir but only in so far as it receives nothing at all. prejudices the legitime There is total of the person deprivation. deisinherited Similarities In both cases, the omitted heir and the

Preterition annuls the institution of heirs; Devices and legacies are valid insofar as they are not inofficious; If the omitted compulsory heir dies before the testator, the institution shall be effectual, without prejudice to the right of representation. Example: X has two legitimate children: A and B. X makes a will which results in the preterition of A. A predeceases X but leaves a legitimate child A-1, who is himself completely omitted from the inheritance (A-1 being entitled to succeed X by representation). There is preterition, not because A was preterited but because A-1 was preterited (Balane, Jottings and Jurisprudence in Civil Law: Succession, 2010 ed.). In such case, the descendant of A can now file an action to annul the institution of heirs.

Note: The effect of annulling the institution of heirs will open intestacy except for the legacies and devices which must be respected.

Q: May the omission of an illegitimate child in a will be equal to preterition? A: Yes. Art. 854 does not distinguish. It is immaterial whether the heir omitted in the testator’s will is legitimate or illegitimate provided that he is a compulsory heir in the direct line.

291


CIVIL LAW imperfectly disinherited heir get at least their legitime Both legacies and devises remain valid insofar as the legitime has not been impaired. Both legacies and devises refer to compulsory heirs.

Note: An heir who repudiated his inheritance, may represent the person whose inheritance he has renounced (Art. 976). The reason for this is found in Art. 971 (2nd sentence): “the representative does not succeed the person represented but the one whom the person represented would have succeeded.

Q: What is the effect of preterition on the will itself?

RIGHT OF REPRESENTATION

A: GR: The effect of annulling the institution of heirs will be, necessarily, the opening of a total intestacy except that proper legacies and devises must be respected. Here, the will is not abrogated.

Q: What is the right of representation? A: It is the right created by fiction of law, by virtue of which, the representative is raised to the place and degree of the person represented, and acquires the rights which the latter would have if he were living or if he could have inherited.

XPN: If the will contains a universal institution of heirs to the entire inheritance of the testator, the will is totally abrogated. Reason: The nullification of such institution of the universal heirs without any other testamentary disposition in the will amounts to a declaration that nothing at all was written.

The representative thereby steps into the shoes of the person he represents and succeeds, not from the latter, but from the person whose estate, the person represented would have succeeded.

Q: Will the mere fact that an heir was omitted in a will, automatically equate to preterition?

Q: When is the right of representation allowed in testamentary succession?

A: No. One must distinguish whether the omission of a forced heir in the will of the testator is by mistake or in advertence or voluntary or intentional:

A: Representation is allowed with respect to the legitime in case the compulsory heir in the descending line dies before the testator or incapacitated to succeed.

a. b.

If by mistake or inadvertence, there is true preterition and total intestacy results. If the omission is intentional, the effect would be a defective disinheritance covered by art 918 in which case the institution of heir is not wholly void but only in so far as it prejudices the legitime of the person disinherited

Q: Who may not be represented? A: heirs who repudiated their share may not be represented. A voluntary heir may not also be represented. Q: What are the rules in case of representation? A:

Q: What are the rights of the preterited heirs? A: They are entitled not only to their shares of the legitime but also to those of the free portion which was not expressly disposed of by the testator by way of devises and legacies. PREDECEASE, INCAPACITY & REPUDIATION

It shall take place in cases of: a. Predecease b. Incapacity c. Disinheritance

2.

Representation applies only to those acquired by virtue of provision of the law (legitime, intestate share, in case of reserve troncal); No representation in cases of repudiation; Representation only occurs in the direct decending line and never in the ascending; In the direct collateral line, the right of representation only takes place in favour of children of brothers or sisters, full or half-blood The representation obtains degree by degree, and no jump is made.

3. 4.

Q: What is the effect if the heir predeceases the testator?

5.

A: If the heir who predeceases the testator is a voluntary heir, a devisee or a legatee, he shall transmit no right to his own heirs. Death prevents him from acquiring any rights.

6.

Note: The rule is absolute with respect to a voluntary heir and a devisee or legatee.

COMPLETION OF THE LEGITIME

Q: What is the effect if the heir repudiated or renounced his inheritance?

Q: What can the compulsory heir do if the testator left title less than the legitime belonging to the former?

A: An heir who renounced his inheritance, whether as compulsory or as voluntary heir, does not transmit any right to his own heirs. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

1.

292

SUCCESSION A: Any compulsory heir to whom the testator has left by any title less than the legitime belonging to him may demand that the same be fully satisfied. (Art. 906)

5.

When the substitute repudiates or renounces the inheritance.

Note: Testamentary dispositions that impair or diminish the legitime of the compulsory heirs shall be reduced on petition of the same, insofar as they may be inofficious or excessive. (Art. 907)

Q: What are the different kinds of substitution? Q: If the testator instituted only one heir and allotted only an aliquot part, what will happen to the remainder?

A: 1.

A: If the testator has instituted only one heir, and the institution is limited to an aliquot part of the inheritance, legal succession takes place with respect to the remainder of the estate.

Simple/common – takes place when the heir instituted: a. predeceases testator; b. repudiates the inheritance; or c. is incapacitated to succeed Note: Simple substitution without a statement of the causes, to which it refers, shall comprise the 3 above mentioned situations unless the testator has otherwise provided.

Q: If the testator instituted several heirs as sole heirs but what was allotted was only part of the inheritance, what will happen? A: If the testator instituted several heirs as sole heirs but allotted only an aliquot part of the inheritance and together they do not cover the whole inheritance, or the whole free portion, each part shall be increased proportionately.

2.

Brief/compendious – when two or more persons are substituted for one or for two or more heirs.

3.

Reciprocal – one heir designated as substitute for instituted heir while latter is simultaneously instituted as substitute for former.

Q: What if such allotment exceeds the whole of the inheritance, what will happen? What will be the extent of deduction, if any?

GR: The substitute shall be subject to the same charges and conditions imposed upon the instituted heir.

A: If each of the instituted heirs has been given an aliquot part of the inheritance and the parts together exceed the whole inheritance, or the whole free portion, as the case may be, each part shall be reduced proportionately.

XPN: 1. If the testator has expressly provided the contrary 2. If the charges or conditions are personally applicable only to the heir instituted. (Art 862)

SUBSTITUTION OF HEIRS

4.

Q: What is substitution? A: Substitution is the appointment of another heir so that he may enter into the inheritance in default of the heir originally instituted. (Art 857) Q: Where does the concept of substitution apply? A: Substitution applies in cases if the heir or heirs instituted should die before the testator or should not wish, or should be incapacitated to accept the inheritance.

Q: Who are the parties to a fideicommissary substitution and what are their respective obligations?

Q: What is the effect if the substitute dies ahead of the testator?

A: PARTIES First heir or fiduciary Second heir or fideicommissary Testator

A: The substitute who dies ahead of the testator prevents him from acquiring any rights, since there is no substitution to speak of. Q: When will the substitution be extinguished? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Fideicommissary Substitution (Indirect Substitution) – It is a substitution by virtue of which the fiduciary or first heir instituted is entrusted with the obligation to preserve and to transmit to a second heir the whole or part of the inheritance, shall be valid and shall take effect, provided such substitution does not go beyond one degree from the heir originally instituted, and provided, further, that the fiduciary or first heir and the second heir are living at the time of the death of the testator.

OBLIGATIONS He has the obligation to preserve and transmit the inheritance. He eventually receives the property from the fiduciary. None

Q: What are the distinctions between direct substitution and indirect substitution?

By the nullity of the will; By the annulment of the institution of heir; By the death of the substitute before the testator; When the substitute himself is incapacitated to succeed the testator;

A: DIRECT SUBSTITUTION

293

INDIRECT SUBSTITUTION


CIVIL LAW (Fideicommissary Substitution) The substitute receives the property in default of the first heir instituted who does not or cannot receive the same. There are various liberalities, one that is immediate and the other or others eventual, but with only one of them effective (because ultimately either the instituted heir succeeds or it is the substitute). The testator so directs the transmission of his property that one or more heirs enjoy and may freely dispose of the same.

No other purpose than to prevent the succession of the intestate heirs. There is only one transfer.

Has the free and absolute disposition and control over the property.

The identity of the substitute does not matter.

The substitute receives the property after the heir first instituted has enjoyed the same for some time.

Q: What are the obligations of a fiduciary? A: 1. 2. 3.

Note: The first heir receives property, either upon the death of the testator or upon the fulfillment of any suspensive condition imposed by the will.

There are two liberalities which are both effective but successively enjoyed.

The first heir is almost like a usufructuary with right to enjoy the property. Thus, like a usufructuary, he cannot alienate the property. The first heir is obliged to make an inventory but he is not required to furnish a bond.

The first heir instituted is obliged to preserve the property for the benefit of one or more succeeding heirs and his power of alienation is curtailed or at least limited. Has a further social effect as it limits the free circulation of property and for such reason many laws prohibit the same or limit it. There are 2 transfers No absolute disposition because it is subject to the condition that he will preserve and transmit the same to the fideicommissary. And also, there is control on the property but there is a limit to the circulation of the property. The fideicommissary is limited to relatives within one degree from the first heir or fiduciary: parent– child.

Q: What is the effect of alienation of the property subject to the fideicommissary substitution by the first heir? A: The transfer is not valid. The fiduciary cannot alienate the property either by an act inter vivos or mortis causa. He is bound to preserve the property and transmit it to the second heir or fideicommissary. Note: a.

b.

If the fiduciary registers the property in his name without the fideicommissary substitution, innocent parties are protected. However, if the property is unregistered, the buyer acquires only the seller’s right; i.e., subject to the fieocommissary substitution The fideicommissary is a sort of naked owner; ownership is consolidated in him upon transmission of the property to him.

Q: What is the period of the fiduciary’s tenure? A: 1. 2.

Primary rule – the period indicated by the testator Secondary rule – if the testator did not indicate a period, then the fiduciary’s lifetime

Q: Is the fiduciary allowed to make deductions to the inheritance? A: GR: The fiduciary should deliver the property intact and undiminished to the fideicommisary heir upon arrival of the period

Q: What are the elements/requisites of fideicommissary substitution?

XPN: The only deductions allowed, in the absence of a contrary provision in the will are: 2. Legitimate expenses 3. Credits 4. Improvements

A: 1. There must be a first heir or fiduciary; 2. An absolute obligation is imposed upon the fiduciary to preserve and to transmit to a second heir the property at a given time; 3. There is a second heir who must be one degree from the first heir; 4. The first and second heir must both be living and qualified at the time of the death of the testator.

Note: The coverage of legitimate expenses and improvements are limited to necessary and useful expenses, but not to ornamental expenses.

Q: What are the distinctions between a fiduciary in fideicomissary substitution and a trustee in a trust?

Note: That it should be imposed on the free portion and not on the legitime.


To preserve the inheritance; To deliver the inheritance; To make an inventory of the inheritance.

294

SUCCESSION A: FIDUCIARY Can only be designated expressly by means of a will Entitled to all of the rights of a usufructuary May alienate his right of usufruct but always subject to his obligation of preserving and transmitting the object to a second heir Fiduciary carries out not another’s wishies but his won and he enjoys the use and the fruits unlike a trustee (he is like a usufructuary) (Perez v. Gachitorena, G.R. No. L-31703, 1930)

fideicommissary be alive or at least conceived at the time of the testator’s death.

TRUSTEE May be designated either expressly by acts inter vivos or mortis causa or impliedly by operation of law Has no usufructuary right over the property which he holds in trust

Q: Do the heirs to a fideicommissary substitution inherit successively? A: No. Both the first heir and the fideicommissary inherit the property simultaneously, although the enjoyment and possession are successive. Q: What is the effect if the fideicommissary predeceases the fiduciary?

Cannot alienate anything whatsoever

A: If the fideicommissary predeceases the fiduciary, but survives the testator, his rights pass to his own heirs. Q: What is the remedy of the fideicommissary to protect himself against alienation to an innocent third person?

Obligation is broader because it extends not only to the properties but also to the fruits

A: If the first heir was able to register the property in his name, the fideicommissary should annotate his claim on the land on the title to protect himself against any alienation in favor of innocent third parties. When the property passes to the fideicommissary, there is no more prohibition to alienate.

Q: How should an absolute obligation to preserve and to transmit be imposed upon the fiduciary?

Q: If the testator gives the usufruct to different persons successively, what rules will apply?

A: The obligation to preserve and transmit must be given clearly and expressly (1) by giving it a name “fideicommissary substitution” or (2) by imposing upon the first heir the absolute obligation to preserve and deliver the property to the second heir.

A: The provisions on fideicommissary substitution also apply in a case where the testator gives the usufruct to various persons successively. Q: What are the different dispositions related or analogous to fideicommissary substitutions which the law considers as void?

st

Q: If the testator provided that the 1 heir shall enjoy the property during his life and that upon his death it shall pass to another expressly designated by the testator, but without imposing the obligation to preserve the property, is there fideicommissary substitution in this case?

A: 1. Fideicommissary substitutions which are not made in an express manner, either by giving them this name, or imposing upon the fiduciary the absolute obligation to deliver the property to a second heir 2. Provisions which contain a perpetual prohibition to alienate and even a temporary one, beyond the limit fixed in Art. 863 (20 years) 3. Those which impose upon the heir the charge of paying to various persons successively, beyond the limit prescribed in Art. 863, a certain income or pension 4. Those which leave to a person the whole or part of the hereditary property in order that he may apply or invest the same according to secret instructions communicated to him by the testator (Art. 867)

A: None. There is no fideicommissary substitution but merely a legacy of the usufruct of the property. Q: What does “one degree” mean? A: "One degree" refers to the degree of relationship; it means “one generation”. As such, the fideicommissary can only be either a parent or child of the first heir (Palacios v. Ramirez, G.R. No. L-27952, 1982). Note: The relationship is always counted from the first heir. However, fideicommissary substitutions are also limited to one transmission. Upon the lapse of time for the first heir, he transmits the property to the second heir. In other words, there can only be one fideicommissary transmission such that after the first, there can be no second fideicommissary substitution.

Q: What is the effect of the nullity of the fideicommissary substitution?

Q: Why must both the first and second heir be living and qualified at the time of the death of the testator?

A: The nullity of the fideicommissary substitution does not prejudice the validity of the institution of the heirs first designated; the fideicommissary clause shall simply be considered as not written. (Art. 868, Civil Code)

A: The fideicommissary inherits not from the first heir but from the testator, thus, the requirement that the

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CIVIL LAW Q: Raymond, single, named his sister Ruffa in his will as a devisee of a parcel of land which he owned. The will imposed upon Ruffa the obligation of preserving the land and transferring it, upon her death, to her illegitimate daughter Scarlet who was then only one year old. Raymond later died, leaving behind his widowed mother, Ruffa and Scarlet. Is the condition imposed upon Ruffa to preserve the property and to transmit it upon her death to Scarlet, valid? (2008 Bar Question)

certain heirs who are, therefore, called compulsory heirs. (Art. 886) Note: There is compulsion on the part of the testator to reserve that part of the estate which corresponds to the legitime.

Q: How is legitime determined? A: To determine the legitime, the value of the property left at the death of the testator shall be considered, deducting all debts and charges, which shall not include those imposed in the will.

A: Yes. When an obligation to preserve and transmit the property to Scarlet was imposed on Ruffa, the testator Raymond intended to create a fideicommissary substitution where Ruffa is the fiduciary and Scarlet is the fideicommisary. Having complied with the requirements of Art. 863 and 869 (NCC), the fideicomissary substitution is valid.

To the net value of the hereditary estate, shall be added the value of all donations by the testator that are subject to collation, at the time he made them. (Art. 908) Q: Cite the rules governing the donations made by the testator in favor of his children, legitimate and illegitimate, and strangers and those which are inofficious.

Q: If Scarlet predeceases Ruffa, who inherits the property? (2008 Bar Question) A: If Scarlet predeceases Ruffa, the fideicommissary substitution is rendered null or ineffective under Art.863 (NCC). Applying Art. 868 (NCC), the fideicommissary clause is disregarded without prejudice to the validity of the institution of the fiduciary. In such case Ruffa shall inherit the device free from the condition.

A: 1. 2.

3.

Q: If Ruffa predeceases Raymond, can Scarlet inherit the property directly from Raymond? (2008 Bar Question)

4.

A: In a fideicommissary substitution, the intention of the testator is to make the second heir his ultimate heir. The right of the second heir is simply postponed by the delivery of the inheritance to the first heir for him to enjoy the usufruct over the inheritance. Hence, when the first heir predeceased the testator, the first heir did not qualify to inherit and the right of the second heir to receive the inheritance will no longer be delayed provided the second heir is qualified to inherit at the time of the testator’s death. In fideicommissary substitution, the first and second heirs inherit from the testator, hence, both should be qualified to inherit from the testator at the time of his death.

Q: In relation to Articles 908 to 910, how shall the reduction from the legitime be made? A: After the legitime has been determined in accordance with the three preceding articles, the reduction shall be made as follows: 1. Donations shall be respected as long as the legitime can be covered, reducing or annulling, if necessary, the devises or legacies made in the will; 2. The reduction of the devises or legacies shall be pro rata, without any distinction whatever. If the testator has directed that a certain devise or legacy be paid in preference to others, it shall not suffer any reduction until the latter have been applied in full to the payment of the legitime. 3. If the devise or legacy consists of a usufruct or life annuity, whose value may be considered greater than that of the disposable portion, the compulsory heirs may choose between complying with the testamentary provision and delivering to the devisee or legatee the part of the inheritance of which the testator could freely dispose. (Art. 911)

In the problem, when Ruffa predeceased Raymond, she did not qualify to receive the inheritance to enjoy it usufruct, hence, the right of Scarlet to receive the inheritance upon the death of the testator will no longer be delayed. However, Scarlet is not qualified to inherit from Raymond because she is barred by Art. 992 of NCC being an illegitimate child of Raymond’s illegitimate father. The devise will therefore be ineffective and the property will be disposed of by intestacy. LEGITIME Q: Define legitime A: Legitime is that part of the testator's property which he cannot dispose of because the law has reserved it for


Donations given to children shall be charged to their legitime. Donations made to strangers shall be charged to that part of the estate of which the testator could have disposed by his last will. Insofar as they may be inofficious or may exceed the disposable portion, they shall be reduced according to the rules established by this Code. (Art. 909) Donations which an illegitimate child may have received during the lifetime of his father or mother, shall be charged to his legitime. Should they exceed the portion that can be freely disposed of, they shall be reduced in the manner prescribed by this Code. (Art. 910)

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SUCCESSION 4.

If the devise subject to reduction should consist of real property, which cannot be conveniently divided, it shall go to the devisee if the reduction does not absorb one-half of its value; and in a contrary case, to the compulsory heirs; but the former and the latter shall reimburse each other in cash for what respectively belongs to them. (Art. 912) The devisee who is entitled to a legitime may retain the entire property, provided its value does not exceed that of the disposable portion and of the share pertaining to him as legitime.

A: The testator cannot make donations inter vivos which impinge upon the legitime or which are inofficious. Note: The prohibition does not cover an onerous disposition (sale) because this involves an exchange of values.

Q: What are the rules governing succession in the direct descending line? A: 1. 2. 3.

Note: If the heirs or devisees do not choose to avail themselves of the right granted by the preceding article, any heir or devisee who did not have such right may exercise it; should the latter not make use of it, the property shall be sold at public auction at the instance of any one of the interested parties. (Art. 913)

4.

Q: What are the rules governing succession in the ascending line?

The testator may devise and bequeath the free portion as he may deem fit. (Art. 914)

A: 1. 2. 3.

RULES ON LEGITIME Q: Can the testator deprive the compulsory heirs their legitimes?

A: 1.

XPN: When the testator validly disinhirited his heir and when there partition of the hereditary estate for a period not exceeding twenty (20) years, which prohibition can apply even to the legitime of the compulsory heirs.

2. 3.

Note: Only the legitime is reserved. The free portion may be disposed of by will.

In case of preterition – annulment of institution of heir and reduction of devises and legacies In case of partial impairment – completion of legitime In case of inofficious donation – collation

Q: Is the renunciation or compromise of future legitime allowed?

Q: Must compulsory heirs accept their legitimes?

A: No. The renunciation or compromise is prohibited and considered null and void.

A: No. There is no obligation on the compulsory heirs to accept.

Q: What is the scope of the prohibition?

Q: What are the kinds of legitime?

2.

Rule of proximity – nearer excludes the more remote Division by line Equal division within the line

Q: What is/are the remedy(ies) available to a compulsory heir whose legitime has been impaired?

A: GR: No. The testator cannot deprive the compulsory heirs of their legitimes.

A: 1.

Rule of preference between lines – descending line is preferred over the ascending line Rule of proximity – nearer excludes the more remote Right of representation, in case of predecease, incapacity and disinheritance If all the legitimate children repudiate their legitime, the next generation of legitimate descendants, succeed in their own right.

A: 1.

Fixed – If the amount (fractional part) does not vary or change regardless of whether there are concurring compulsory heirs or not. a. legitimate children and descendants (legitimate children’s legitime is always ½) b. legitimate parents and ascendants (When there are no legitimate children and descendants, Art. 887 (1)) Variable – If the amount changes or varies in accordance with whom the compulsory heir concur.

2. 3.

Any renunciation of future legitimes, whether for a valuable consideration or not; Any waiver of the right to ask for the reduction of an innoficious donation; Compromise between the compulsory heirs themselves during the lifetime of the testator.

Note: The prohibition is not applicable in cases of: 1. Renunciations or compromises made after the death of the testator; 2. Donations or remissions made by the testator to the compulsory heirs as advances of their legitime.

Note: Factors which affect the legitime: 1. Identity of the concurring compulsory heirs 2. Number of concurring compulsory heirs.

Q: What is the order of preference in reducing testamentary dispositions and donations?

Q: What are the limitations imposed on the testator regarding his rights of ownership?

A: Method of reduction:

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CIVIL LAW 1.

2. 3.

Reduce pro rata the non-preferred legacies and devises (Art.911[2]), and the testamentary dispositions (to heirs) (Art. 907). Among these legacies, devises, and testamentary dispositions there is no preference.

3.

Note: preferred legacies and devisees are those directed by testator to be preferred than the others

A: 1.

Q: What are the properties not subject to collation?

Reduce pro rata the preferred legacies and devises (Art. 911, last par.) Reduce the donations inter vivos according to the inverse order of their dates (i.e., the oldest is the most preferred) (Art. 773)

2.

Note: These reductions shall be to the extent required to complete the legitimes, even if in the process the disposition is reduced to nothing Note: The order of preference is applicable when: 1. The reduction is necessary to preserve the legitime of compulsory heirs from impairment whether there are donations inter vivos or not; or 2. Although, the legitime has been preserved by the testator himself there are donations inter vivos.

Q: Is a legacy or devise subject to collation?

A: Donations inter vivos given to children shall be charged to their legitime, unless otherwise provided by the testator. Reason: Donations to the compulsory heirs are advances to the legitime.

A: Property left by will (like a legacy or devise) is not deemed subject to collation if the testator has not otherwise provided, but the legitime shall in any case remain unimpaired. This means that the legacy or devise should be imputed to the free portion, not to the legitime.

Note: Donations inter vivos to strangers shall be charged to the free portion.

Q: What is collation? A: It is the process of adding the value of thing donated to the net value of hereditary estate. To collate is to bring back or return to the hereditary mass, in fact or fiction, property which came from the estate of the decedent, during his lifetime, but which the law considers as an advance from the inheritance. Collation is applicable to both donations to compulsory heirs and donations to strangers. GR: Compulsory heirs are obliged to collate. XPN: 1. When testator should have so expressly provided; 2. When compulsory heir repudiates his inheritance Q: What are the properties that are to be collated?

2.

Any property/right received by gratuitous title during testator’s lifetime All that may have been received from decedent during his lifetime UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Absolutely no collation – expenses for support, education (elementary and secondary only), medical attendance, even in extra-ordinary illness, apprenticeship, ordinary equipment or customary gifts. Generally not imputed to legitime: a. Expenses incurred by parents in giving their children professional, vocational, or other career unless the parents so provide, or unless they impair the legitime. b. Wedding gifts by parents and ascendants consisting of jewelry, clothing and outfit except when they exceed 1/10 of the sum disposable by will.

Note: Only the value of the thing donated shall be brought to collation. This value must be the value of the thing at the time of the donation.

Q: What is the effect of donations to the inheritance of an heir?

A: 1.

All that their parents have brought to collation if alive

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CIVIL LAW Steps in Determining the Legitime of Compulsory Heirs

Step 1: INVENTORY (Gross Value of Estate)

 Determination of the gross value of the estate at the time of the death of the testator

Step 2: DEDUCT OBLIGATIONS

 Determination of all the debts and charges which are chargeable against the estate

Step 3: Net Value

Step 4: Collation

Net Hereditary Estate

 Determination of the net valueof the estate by deducting all the debts and charges from the gross value of the estate

 Collation or addition of all the value of all donations inter vivos to the net value of the estate

 Determination of the Net Hereditary Estate from the total thus found  Imputation of all the value of donations inter vivos made to compulsory heirs against their legitimes and of the value of all donations inter vivos made to strangers against the disposable free portion and restoration to the hereditary estate if the donation is inofficious.  If the legitime is impaired, the following reductions shall be made: a. First, reduce pro rata non-preferred legacies and devices, and the testamentary dispositions. b. Second, reduce pro rata the preferred legacies and devises c. Third, reduce the donations inter vivos according to the inverse order of their dates. *** As to the remaining portion of the estate, it shall be distributed to the devisees and legatees


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SUCCESSION TABLES OF LEGITIMES WHEN SURVIVING ALONE ½ of the hereditary estate (Free portion = ½) Surviving spouse where the marriage was solemnized under 1/3 of the hereditary estate (Free portion =2/3) articulo mortis and the deceased died within 3 months from the time of marriage. Note: The deceased was the spouse who was at the point of death at the time of marriage (Tolentino, Civil Code, 1992 ed.)

Surviving spouse where the marriage was solemnized under articulo mortis and the deceased died within 3 months from the time of marriage but the parties have been living as huband and wife for more than 5 years prior to the marriage

½ of the hereditary estate (Free portion = ½)

PRIMARY HEIRS CONCUR WITH CONCURRING COMPULSORY HEIRS One legitimate child and the surviving spouse Legitimate child = ½ of the hereditary estate Surviving spouse = ¼ of the hereditary estate Free portion = ¼ Two or more legitimate children and the surviving spouse Legitimate children = ½ of the hereditary estate in equal portions Surviving spouse = a share equal to that of each child Free portion = whatever remains One legitimate child and illegitimate children Legitimate child = ½ of the hereditary estate (if there are several, they shall divide the ½ share in equal portions) Illegitimate children = ½ of the share of each legitimate child (if the free portion is insufficient, the illegitimate children shall divide the free portion equally among themselves) Free portion = whatever remains One legitimate child, the surviving spouse, and illegitimate Legitimate child = ½ of the hereditary estate children Surviving spouse = ¼ of the hereditary estate Illegitimate children = ½ of the share of each legitimate child Free portion = whatever remains Note: The share of the surviving spouse shall have preference over those of the illegitimate children whose share may suffer reduction pro rata because there is no preference as among themselves.

Two or more legitimate children, surviving spouse, and illegitimate children

Legitimate children = ½ of the hereditary estate in equal portions Surviving spouse = a share equal to that of each legitimate child Illegitimate children = ½ of the share of each legitimate child Free portion = whatever remains Note: The share of the surviving spouse shall have preference over those of the illegitimate children whose share may suffer reduction pro rata because there is no preference as among themselves.

SECONDARY HEIRS CONCUR WITH COMPULSORY HEIRS Legitimate parents and surviving spouse Legitimate parents = ½ of the hereditary estate Surviving spouse = ¼ of the hereditary estate Free portion = ¼ Legitimate parents and illegitimate children Legitimate parents = ½ of the hereditary estate Illegitimate children = ¼ of the hereditary estate in equal shares Free portion = ¼ Legitimate parents, surviving spouse, and illegitimate children Legitimate parents = ½ of the hereditary estate Illegitimate children = ¼ of the hereditary estate in equal shares Surviving spouse = 1/8 of the hereditary estate Free portion = 1/8 Illegitimate parents and children Illegitimate parents = excluded

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CIVIL LAW

Illegitimate parents and surviving spouse

Children = ½ if legitimate and ½ of the share of each legitimate child if illegitimate children Free portion = whatever remains Illegitimate parents = ¼ of the hereditary estate Surviving spouse = ¼ of the hereditary estate Free portion = ¼

CONCURRENCE AMONG CONCURRING COMPULSORY HEIRS Surviving spouse and illegitimate children Surviving spouse = 1/3 of the hereditary estate Illegitimate children = 1/3 of the hereditary estate (Rabuya, Civil Law Reviewer, 1009 ed.) COMPULSORY HEIRS AND VARIOUS COMBINATIONS

2.

by right of representation

Q: Who are compulsory heirs?

Q: Is an adopted child a compulsory heir?

A: The following are compulsory heirs: 1. Legitimate children and descendants, with respect to their legitimate parents and ascendants; 2. In default of the foregoing, legitimate parents and ascendants, with respect to their legitimate children and descendants; 3. The widow or widower; 4. Acknowledged natural children, and natural children by legal fiction; 5. Other illegitimate children referred to in article 287.

A: Yes. Legitimate children” includes adopted children and legitimated children. Under R.A. 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Law adopted children have the same rights granted to the legitimate children. Adopted children, for all intents and purposes are considered as legitimate children. The adopted child enjoys successional rights as a legitimate child, he would exclude the legitimate parents and ascendants but the relationship does not extend to other relatives of the adopter, thus, disqualifying the adopted from directly inheriting from the adopter’s ascendants.

Note: Compulsory heirs mentioned in Nos. 3, 4, and 5 are not excluded by those in Nos. 1 and 2; neither do they exclude one another.

Q: Is formal or judicial adoption necessary before the adopted child can inherit from the adopter?

In all cases of illegitimate children, their filiation must be duly proved.

A: Yes, because adoption is a juridical act, a proceeding in rem, which creates between two persons a relationship similar to that which results from legitimate paternity and filiation.

The father or mother of illegitimate children of the three classes mentioned, shall inherit from them in the manner and to the extent established by this Code. (Art. 887)

Without the benefit of formal (judicial) adoption, the adopted child is neither a compulsory nor a legal heir. Hence, he is not entitled to inherit.

Q: What are the classifications of compulsory heirs?

A: 1.

Q: What is the rule regarding legitimated child? Primary compulsory heirs – They are not excluded by the presence of other compulsory heirs. Those who have precedence over and exclude other compulsory heirs. E.g. legitimate children and / or decendants

2.

Secondary compulsory heirs – Those who succeed only in default of the primary compulsory heirs. E.g. legitimate parents and/ or legitimate ascendants; illegitimate parents

3.

Concurring compulsory heirs – Those who succeed together with the primary or secondary compulsory heirs. E.g. Surviving spouse and illegitimate children and descendants.

A: Prior to the marriage of the parents of the child, he is an illegitimate child since he is born outside a valid marriage. Legitimation takes place upon the marriage of the child’s parents, the marriage being valid or at least voidable, the child is automatically raised to the status of legitimacy, without need of any additional act on the part of either the child or the parents. Note: Children conceived and born outside of wedlock of parents who, at the time of the conception of the former, were not disqualified by any impediment to marry each other, or were so disqualified only because either or both of them were below eighteen (18) years of age, may be legitimated (Art. 177, Family Code as amended by R.A. 9858).

Q: In what ways may compulsory heirs inherit? A: Compulsory heirs inherit either: 1. in their own right; or UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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SUCCESSION Q: What is the rule regarding an illegitimate child?

RESERVA TRONCAL

A: He may become a primary compulsory heir of his illegitimate parents only if they do not concur with legitimate children or descendants of his illegitimate parents.

Q: What is reserva troncal? A: Reserva troncal – The ascendant who inherits from his descendant any property which the latter may have acquired by gratuitous title from another ascendant, or a brother or sister, is obliged to reserve such property as he may have acquired by operation of law for the benefit of relatives who are within the third degree and who belong to the line from which said property came. (Art. 891)

If the illegitimate parents have legitimate children or descendants, the latter shall be the primary compulsory heirs and the illegitmate child shall be considred merely as concurring compulsory heir. Note: Under the Family Code, there is no more distinction between acknowledged natural children and illegitimate children. They are all considered as illegitimate.

Purpose: To prevent persons who are outsiders to the family from acquiring, by chance or accident, property which otherwise would have remained with the said family. In short, to put back the property to the line from which it originally came.

Compulsory heirs of a person who is illegitimate: 1. Legitimate children and descendants; 2. Illegitimate children and descendants; 3. In default of the foregoing, illegitimate parents only; 4. Surviving spouse.

Note: Other terms used to refer to reserva troncal: 1. Lineal 2. Familiar 3. Extraordinaria 4. Semi-troncal 5. Pseudo-troncal

Q: When do legitimate parents and ascendants inherit? A: Legitimate parents and ascendants inherit in default of legitimate children and descendants. They are secondary compulsory heirs.

Q: What are the requisites that must exist in order that a property may be impressed with a reservable character? A: 1.

Q: Does the presence of illegitimate children of the decedent exclude the legitimate parents and ascendants? A: No. Legitimate parents and ascendants concur with the illegitimate children of the decedent. However, if the decedent is himself illegitimate, his illegitimate children exclude the illegitimate parents and ascendants.

2. 3.

Q: Can a common law spouse be a compulsory heir? A: No. There must be valid marriage between the decedent and the surviving spouse. If the marriage is null and void, the surviving spouse cannot inherit.

4.

Q: How can the heirs of the decedent use the nullity of marriage to prevent the surviving spouse from inheriting? A: The heirs can raise the issue of nullity of the marriage in the same proceeding for the settlement of the estate. This is allowed because a marriage that is null and void can be collaterally attacked.

That the property was acquired by a descendant (called “praepositus” or propositus) from an ascendant or from a brother or sister by gratuitous title when the recipient does not give anything in return; That said descendant (praepositus) died without an issue; That the same property (called “reserva”) is inherited by another ascendant (called “reservista”) by operation of law (either through intestate or compulsory succession) from the praepositus; and That there are living relatives within the third degree counted from the praepositus and belonging to the same line from where the property originally came (called “reservatarios”). (Art. 891; Chua v. CFI of Negros Occidental, Branch V, 78 SCRA 412; Rabuya, Civil Law Reviewer, pp. 634-635)

Q: Does reserva troncal exist in an illegitimate or adoptive relationship? A: No. It only exists in the legitimate family. (Centeno v. Centeno, 52 Phil. 322; id, p. 635)

However, in case of voidable marriages, if the marriage is not annulled before the decedent died, the surviving spouse can still inherit

Note: In order that reserva will exist, all these persons should be legitimately related. Reserva troncal only exists in a legitimate family relation. Illegitimate and adoptive relationships, as well as those by afiinity are excluded.

Note: Voidable marriages can only be attacked in a direct proceeding, i.e. annulment proceeding.

Q: What are the causes for the extinguishment of the reserva?

Note: The surviving spouse is not a compulsory heir of his/her parent-in-law. When the spouse has given a ground for legal separation, it is a sufficient cause for disinheriting a spouse even without a decree of legal separation. If there is already a decree for legal separation then disinheritance is superfluous for this in effect would be denying the guilty spouse of a right not possessed.

A: DD LRR P 1. Death of the reservista 2. Death of all the relatives within the third degree prior to the death of the reservista

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CIVIL LAW 3. 4. 5.

6.

Accidental Loss of all the reservable properties Renunciation or waiver by the reservatarios Registration under Act 496 without the reservable character being annotated if it falls into the hands of a buyer in good faith for value By Prescription – reservista seeks to acquire (30 years – immovable; 8 years- movable)

Q: In order for reserva troncal to take place, how should the property be transmitted from the origin to the propositus? A: The transmission from the origin to the propositus must be by gratuitous title. Q: Can the origin alienate the property?

Q: Differentiate reserva minima and reserva maxima. A: Yes. While the origin owns the property, there is no reserva yet, and therefore, he has the perfect right to dispose of it, in any way he wants, subject, however to the rule on inofficious donations.

A: RESERVA MINIMA

RESERVA MAXIMA

All of the properties which the All of the properties which descendant had previously the descendant had acquired by gratuitous title previously acquired by from another ascendant or gratuitous title from another from a brother or sister must ascendant or from a brother be considered as passing to or sister must be included in the ascendant- reservista the ascendants legitime partly by operation of law and insofar as such legitime can partly by force of the contain. descendant’s will.

Q: Who must be the propositus? A: The propositus must be a legitimate descendant or halfbrother/sister of the origin of the property. Note: To give rise to reserve troncal, the propositus must not have any legitimate children, otherwise, the reservable property will be inherited by the latter The presence of illegitimate children of the propositus will not prevent his legitimate parents or ascendants from inheriting the reserved property.

Q: A son received from his mother P200,000 by virtue of a will. The son had properties of his own amounting to P400,000. When the son died without issue, he left a will giving all his estate to his father. How much is the reservable property?

The propositus is the descendant whose death gives rise to the reserva troncal, and from whom therefore the third degree is counted.

A: Since the father’s legitime is only ½, he received the P600,000 in two capacities: P300,000 as a compulsory heir – and which was received therefore as a legitime or by operation of law and P300,000 as a voluntary heir. According to the theory of reserva minima, the reservable property is only P 100,000 on the theory that half of the P200,000 received from the origin (mother in this case) was given to the father as his legitime or by operation of law. Therefore, the reservable property is only P100,000 (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, 2008 ed.).

Q: Can the propositus alienate the property? A: Yes. While propositus is still alive, there is no reserva yet, therefore, he is the absolute owner of the property, with full freedom to alienate or dispose or encumber. Note: The propositus is referred to as the “arbiter of the reserva”.

Q: Who is the reservista in reserva troncal? A: The reservista is the ascendant who inherits from the propositus by operation of law. It is he who has the obligation to reserve.

Note: According to Manresa, in view of the silence of the law on the matter, the principle of reserve minima should be followed. This seems also teh opinion of Scaevola (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, 2008 ed.).

Note: The relationship between the reservista and the propositus must be legitimate.

Q: Who are the parties in reserva troncal? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

If he inherited the property from the propositus, not by legal succession or by virtue of legitime, there is no obligation to reserve.

Origin Propositus Reservista Reservatartios/Reservees

Q: Does the reservista own the reservable property? A: Yes. The reservista is an absolute or full owner, subject to a resolutory condition. If the resolutory condition is fulfilled, the reservista’s ownership of the property is terminated.

Q: Who must be the origin in reserva troncal? A: The origin of the property must be an ascendant, brother or sister of the propositus.

Resolutory condition: If at the time of the reservista’s death, there should still exist relatives within the third degree (reservatarios) of the propositus and belonging to the line from which the property came.

Note: The origin must be a legitimate relative because reserva troncal exists only in the legitimate family.


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SUCCESSION Note: The reservable property is not part of the estate of the reservista.

and by operation of law, the absolute owner of the reservable property. (Cano v. Director of Lands)

Q: Can the reservista alienate the property?

Q: Is there right of representation in reserva troncal?

A: Yes, unlike in fideicommisary substitution where the fiduciary heir cannot alienate the property because he is merely considered a usufruct, the reservista can alienate the property being the owner thereof but subject to the reservation.

A: Yes. There is representation in reserva troncal, but the representative must also be within the third degree from the propositus. (Florentino v. Florentino) Note: The reservatarios inherit the property from the propositus, not from the reservista.

Q: Is the reservista required to furnish a bond? Reserva troncal is governed by the following rules on intestate succession: (Applicable when there are concurring relatives within the third degree) 1. Proximity - “The nearer excludes the farther” 2. “The direct line is preferred over the collateral line” 3. “The descending line is preferred over the ascending line”

A: GR: He is required to furnish a bond, security or mortgage to guarantee the safe delivery later on to the reservatarios of the properties concerned, in the proper cases. XPN: The bond, security or mortgage is not needed when the property has been registered or annotated in the certificate of title as subject to reserva troncal.

Q: What are the rights of the reservatarios? A: 1. 2. 3.

Note: Upon the reservista’s death the ownership of the reserved properties is automatically vested to the reservatarios who are existing. Hence, the reservista cannot dispose the reserved property by will if there are reservatarios existing at the time of his death.

4.

Q: Who are the reservatarios?

To ask for the inventory of all reservable property The appraisal of all reservable movable property The annotation in the registry of deeds of the reservable character of all reservable immovable property Constitution of the necessary mortgage

A: The reservatarios are relatives within the third degree of the propositus, who belong to the same line from which the property originally came, who will become the full owners of the property the moment the reservista dies, because by such death, the reserva is extinguished. Note: It is further required that the reservatario should be related by blood not only from the prepositus but also to the other descendant, or brother, or sister, from whom the property came. Only then can he be considered as belonging to the “line from which the property came.”

Q: Who are the relatives within the third degree from the propositus? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Parents; Grandparents; Full and half blood brothers and sisters; Great grandparents, Nephews and nieces.

Q: What are the requisites for passing of title to the reservatarios? A: 1. 2.

Death of the reservista; and The fact that the reservatarios survived the reservista.

Q: When does the reservatario acquire the right over the reservable property? A: Upon the death of the reservista, the reservatario nearest the decedent propositus becomes, automatically

305


CIVIL LAW

OPERATION OF RESERVA TRONCAL


306

SUCCESSION DISINHERITANCE

d.

Refusal without justifiable cause to support the testator who disinherits such heir.

Q: What is disinheritance? 2. A: Disinheritance is the process or act, thru a testamentary disposition of depriving in a will any compulsory heir of his legitime for true and lawful cause. Note: The only way in which a compulsory heir can be deprived of his legitime is through valid disinheritance.

Q: Is disinheritance automatic? A: No. Disinheritance is not automatic. There must be evidence presented to substantiate the disinheritance and must be for a valid and sound cause. Q: What is the effect of disinheritance?

A: Total exclusion to the inheritance, meaning, loss of legitime, right to intestate succession, and of any disposition in a prior will. Disinheritance, however, is without prejudice to the right of representation of the children and descendants of the person disinherited. But the disinherited parent shall not have the usufruct or administration of the property which constitutes the legitime. Q: What are the requisites of a valid disinheritance?

Q: What is reconciliation?

A: Disinheritance must be: 1. Made in a valid will 2. Identity of the heir is clearly established 3. For a legal cause 4. Expressly made 5. Cause stated in the will 6. Absolute or unconditional 7. Total 8. Cause must be true and if challenged by the heir, it must be proved to be true.

A: There is reconciliation when two persons who are at odds decide to set aside their differences and to resume their relations. They need not go back to their old relation. Note: A handshake is not reconciliation. It has to be something more. It must be clear and deliberate. In order to be effective, the testator must pardon the disinherited heir. The pardon whether express or tacit, must refer specifically to the heir disinherited and to the acts he has committed, and must be accepted by such heir.

Note: Proponent of disinheritance has the burden of proof.

In disinheritance, reconciliation need not be in writing.

Q: What are the grounds for disinheritance? A: 1.

Peculiar Causes for Disinheritance a. Children and Descendants: i. Conviction of a crime which carries with it a penalty of civil interdiction ii. Maltreatment of the testator by word or deed by the children or descendant iii. When the children or descendant has been convicted of adultery or concubinage with the spouse of the testator iv. When the children or descendant leads a dishonorable or disgraceful life b. Parents or Ascendants: i. When the parent or ascendant has been convicted of adultery or concubinage with the spouse of the testator ii. When the parents have abandoned their children or induced their daughters to live a corrupt or immoral life, or attempted against their virtue iii. Loss of parental authority for causes specified in the Code iv. Attempt by one of the parents against the life of the other, unless there has been reconciliation between them c. Spouse: i. When the spouse has given cause for legal separation ii. When the spouse has given grounds for the loss of parental authority

Q: What is the effect of reconciliation on a person’s right to disinherit?

Common causes for disinheritance of children or descendants, parents or ascendants, and spouse: a. When the heir has been found guilty of an attempt against the life of the testator, his/her descendants or ascendants, and spouse, in case of children or parents. b. When the heir by fraud, violence, intimidation, or undue influence causes the testator to make to make a will or to change one already made. c. When the heir has accused the testator of a crime for which the law prescribes imprisonment of six years or more, if the accusation has been found groundless.

A: 1. 2.

If made before disinheritance – right to disinherit is extinguished. If made after disinheritance – disinheritance is set aside.

Q: Is there a right of representation in case of disinhiritance? A: Yes. The causes of disinhiritance are personal to the disinhirited heir. Hence, in case of valid disinhiritance, only the disinhirited heir is deprived of his right to the legitime.

307


CIVIL LAW But the children or descendants of the disinhirted heir can take his place and preserve the disinhirited heir’s to the legitime.

A: If at the time the legacy or devise is made, the thing did not belong to the legatee or devisee but later on he acquires it, then: 1. If he acquired it by gratuitous title, then the legacy or devise is void.

Q: What is the effect of disinheritance without cause? A: Disinheritance without a specification of the cause, or for a cause the truth of which, if contradicted, is not proved, or which is not one of those set forth in this Code, shall annul the institution of heirs insofar as it may prejudice the person disinherited; but the devises and legacies and other testamentary dispositions shall be valid to such extent as will not impair the legitime. (Art. 918)

Reason: The purpose of the testator that the property would go to the devisee or legatee has already been accomplished with no expense to the legatee or devisee. 2.

If he acquired it by onerous title, the legacy or devise is valid and the estate may be required to reimburse the amount.

LEGACIES AND DEVISES Q: Suppose the property bequeathed or devised has been pledged or mortgaged, who has the obligation to free the property from such encumbrance?

Q: What can be bequeathed or devised? A: Anything within the commerce of man or which is alienable.

A: GR: The pledge or mortgage must be paid by the estate.

Q: Who may be charged with legacies and devices? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

XPN: If the testator provides otherwise. However, any other charge such as easements and usufruct, with which the thing bequeathed is burdened, shall be respected by the legatee or devisee.

Any compulsory heir Any voluntary heir Any legatee or devisee The estate, represented by the executor or administrator (Jurado, p. 345)

Q: What is a legacy of credit? A: It takes place when the testator bequeaths to another a credit against a third person. In effect, it is a novation of the credit by the subrogation of the legatee in the place of the original creditor.

Q: Can the testator bequeath or devise a thing or property belonging to someone else? A: It depends on whether: 1. The testator thought that he owned it –

Q: What is a legacy of remission? A: It is a testamentary disposition of a debt in favor of the debtor. The legacy is valid only to the extent of the amount of the credit existing at the time of the testator's death. In effect, the debt is extinguished.

GR: A legacy or devise of a thing belonging to someone else when the testator thought that he owned it is a void legacy or devise because it is vitiated by mistake. XPN: If the testator acquires it after making his will. 2.

Q: Is a legacy or devise considered payment of a debt, if the testator has a standing indebtedness to the legatee or devisee?

The testator knows that he does not own but ordered its acquisition –

A: No, because if it is, then it would be a useless legacy or devise since it will really be paid.

If the thing given as devise or legacy is not owned by the testator at the time he made the will but he orders his estate to acquire it, it is a valid legacy or devise. The testator knew that he did not own it. There is no mistake.

Q: What is the order of payment of legacies and devises? A: 1. 2.

Q: What is the effect if the thing or property bequeathed or devised belonged to the legatee or devisee at the time the will was executed?

3. 4. 5.

A: The legacy or devise is ineffective even if the legatee or devisee alienates the thing after the will is made.

6. Q: Suppose the legatee or devisee acquired the property after the will has been executed? Suppose he acquired the thing by onerous title? What would be the effect?


Remuneratory legacies or devises Legacies or devises declared by testator to be preferential Legacies for support Legacies for education Legacies or devises of a specific determinate thing which forms part of the estate All others pro rata

Note: The order of preference abovementioned is applicable when: 1. There are no compulsory heirs and the entire estate is distributed by the testator as legacy/devise; or

308

SUCCESSION 2.

There are compulsory heirs but their legitime has already been provided for by the testator and there are no donations inter vivos.

Q: What is the formula for application of inheritance? A: The following are applied successively: ISRAI 1. Institution of an heir (Bequest, in case of legacies or devises) 2. Substitution, if proper 3. Representation, if applicable 4. Accretion, if applicable 5. Intestacy, if all of the above are not applicable

Q: What is the distinction between Art. 911 and Art. 950? A: Order of preference under Art. 911 LDPO: 1. Legitime of compulsory heirs; 2. Donations inter vivos; 3. Preferential legacies or devises; 4. All Other legacies or devises pro rata

Order of preference under Art. 950 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Remuneratory L/D; Preferential L/D; Legacy for support; Legacy for education; L/D of a specific, determinate thing which forms a part of the estate; 6. All others pro rata

Q: When can legal or intestate succession take place? A: Intestate succession takes place when: 1. there is no will; the will is void, or the will is revoked; 2. the will does not dispose all the property of the testator. (partial intestacy); 3. the suspensive condition attached to the inheritance is not fulfilled; 4. The heir predeceased the testator or repudiates the inheritance and no substitution and no right of accretion take place. 5. The heir instituted is incapacitated to succeed.

Note: When the question of reduction is between and among legatees and devisees themselves, Art. 950 governs; but when there is a conflict between compulsory heirs and legatees/devisees, Art. 911 governs.

Q: What are the grounds for the revocation of legacy or devise? A: 1.

2.

Note: The enumeration is not exclusive; there are other causes for intestacy which are not included in the enumeration. E.g. 1. Preterition; 2. Arrival of the resolutory term or period; 3. Fulfillment of a resolutory condition attached to the inheritance; 4. Non-compliance or impossibility of complying with the will of the testator.

Transformation of the thing in such a manner that it does not retain either the form or the denomination it had. Alienation of the thing bequeathed. Note: GR: The alienation of the property revokes the legacy or devise notwithstanding the nullity of the transaction. However, if the nullity is based on vitiated consent, the legacy or devise is not revoked because there was no intention to revoke (Fernandez v. Dimagiba, G.R. No. L-23638, 1967).

Q: What are the rules on exclusion and concurrence in intestate succession? A: 1. Legitimate children a. Exclude parents, collaterals and State b. Concur with surviving spouse and illegitimate children c. Are excluded by no one

XPN: If the sale is pacto de retro and the testator reacquired it during his lifetime. 3.

Total loss of the thing bequeathed.

2. Illegitimate children a. Exclude illegitimate parents, collaterals and State b. Concur with surviving spouse, legitimate children, and legitimate parents c. Are excluded by no one

Note: The loss of the thing bequeathed must not be attributed to the heirs.

4.

If the legacy is a credit against a third person or the remission of a debt, and the testator, subsequent to the making of the will, brings an action against the debtor for payment.

Q: What is legal or intestate succession?

3. Legitimate parents a. Exclude collaterals and the State b. Concur with illegitimate children and surviving spouse c. Are excluded by legitimate children

A: Legal or intestate succession is that which is effected by operation of law in default of a will. It is legal because it takes place by operation of law; it is intestate because it takes place in the absence or in default of a last will of the decedent.

4. Illegitimate parents a. Exclude collaterals and State b. Concur with surviving spouse c. Are excluded by legitimate children and illegitimate children

LEGAL OR INTESTATE SUCCESSION

5. Surviving spouse

309


CIVIL LAW a. Excludes collaterals other than brothers, sister, nephews and nieces, and State b. Concurs with legitimate children, illegitimate children, legitimate parents, illegitimate parents, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces c. Is excluded by no one

2.

In the absence of legitimate children and descendants, the illegitimate children (of the illegitimate child) and their descendants succeed to the entire estate, without prejudice to the concurrent right of the surviving spouse.

3.

In the absence of children and descendants, whether legitimate or illegitimate, the third in the order of succession to the estate of the illegitimate child is his illegitimate parents. If both parents survive and are entitled to succeed, they divide the estate share and share alike. Although the law is silent, if the surviving spouse of the illegitimate child concurs with the illegitimate parents, the surviving spouse shall be entitled to one-half of the estate while the illegitimate parents get the other half.

6. Brothers and Sister, nephews and nieces a. Exclude all other collaterals and the State b. Concur with surviving spouse c. Are excluded by legitimate children, illegitimate children, legitimate parents and illegitimate parents 7. Other collaterals a. Exclude collaterals in remoter degrees and the State b. Concur with collaterals in the same degree c. Are excluded by legitimate children, illegitimate children, legitimate parents, illegitimate parents, surviving spouse, brothers and sisters, and nephews and nieces

Note: In the ascending line, only the illegitimate parents are entitled to inherit from the illegitimate child; the other illegitimate descendants are not so entitled.

8. State a. Excludes no one b. Concurs with no one c. Is excluded by everyone (Balane, Jottings and Jurisprudence in Civil Law: Succession, 2010 ed.)

4.

In default of children or descendants, legitimate or illegitimate, and illegitimate parents, the surviving spouse shall inherit the entire estate. But if the surviving spouse should survive with brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, the surviving spouse shall inherit one-half of the estate, and the latter the other half. The brothers and sisters must be by illegitimate filiation, otherwise, the Iron Curtain Rule shall apply.

5.

Although the law is silent, illegitimate brothers and sisters who survive alone shall get the entire inheritance. The legitimate children of the illegitimate parents are not entitled to inherit from the illegitimate child by virtue of Article 992 of the NCC.

6.

The State. (id., pp. 691-692)

ORDER OF INTESTATE SUCCESSION Q: What is the order of preference between lines in legal or intestate succession? A: Succession takes place: First, in the direct descending line; Second, in the direct ascending line; Finally, in the collateral line. Q: What is the order of intestate succession to a legitimate child? A: In general, and without prejudice to the concurrent right of other heirs in proper cases, the order of intestate succession to a legitimate child is as follows: 1. legitimate children and descendants; 2. legitimate parents and ascendants; 3. illegitimate children; 4. the surviving spouse; 5. collaterals up to the fifth degree; and 6. State (Rabuya, Civil Law Reviewer, p. 678) Q: What is the order of intestate succession to an illegitimate child? A: 1.

The legitimate children and descendants of a person who is an illegitimate child are preferred over other intestate heirs, without prejudice to the right of concurrence of illegitimate children and the surviving spouse.


310

SUCCESSION TABLE OF INTESTATE SHARES Legitimate Children alone Legitimate children and Illegitimate children Legitimate children and surviving spouse Legitimate Children, surviving spouse and illegitimate children

Legitimate parents alone Legitimate ascendants (other than parents) alone Legitimate parents and illegitimate children Legitimate parents and surviving spouse Legitimate parents, surviving spouse and illegitimate children

Illegitimate children alone Illegitimate children and surviving spouse Surviving spouse alone Surviving spouse and illegitimate parents

Surviving spouse and legitimate brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces

Surviving spouse and illegitimate brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces

The whole estate divided equally The whole estate, each illegitimate child getting ½ share of one legitimate child The whole estate, divided equally (the surviving spouse counted as one legitimate child) The whole estate, the surviving spouse being counted as one legitimate child and each illegitimate child getting ½ share of one legitimate child The whole estate, divided equally The whole estate, observing in proper cases, the rule of division by line Legitimate parents = ½ of the estate Illegitimate children = ½ of the estate Legitimate parents = ½ of the estate Surviving spouse = ½ of the estate Legitimate parents = ½ of the estate Surviving spouse = ¼ of the estate Illegitimate children = ¼ of the estate The whole estate, divided equally Illegitimate children = ½ of the estate Surviving spouse = ½ of the estate The whole estate No article governing, but Art. 997 may be applied by analogy, thus: Surviving spouse = ½ of the estate Illegitimate parents = ½ of the estate Surviving spouse = ½ of the estate Legitimate brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces = ½ of the estate (the nephews and nieces inheriting by representation in proper cases) Surviving spouse = ½ of the estate Illegitimate brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces = ½ of the estate (the nephews and nieces inheriting by representation in proper cases) Note: When the law speaks of brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces as legal heirs of an illegitimate child, it refers to illegitimate brothers and sisters as well as to the children, whether legitimate or illegitimate, of such brothers and sisters (Manuel v. Ferrer, 247 SCRA 476)

Illegitimate parents alone Illegitimate parents and children of any kind

Legitimate brothers and sister alone Legitimate brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces

Nephews and nieces with Uncles and aunts

Illegitimate brothers and sisters alone Illegitimate brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces Nephews and nieces alone

The whole estate Illegitimate parents = excluded Children a. Child alone (legitimate or illegitimate) = whole estate b. Legitimate and illegitimate children = each illegitimate gets ½ share of one legitimate child The whole estate, with a brother/sister of the half-blood inheriting ½ the share of a brother/sister of the full blood The whole estate, observing the 2:1 proportion of full and half blood fraternity and the nephews and nieces inheriting by representation in the proper cases Uncles and Aunts = excluded Nephews and nieces = whole estate per capita, but observing the 2:1 proportion for the full and half blood The whole estate, observing the 2:1 proportion of full and half blood fraternity No article governing, but Arts. 1005 and 1008 may be applied by analogy, hence, they acquire the whole estate The whole estate per capita, but observing the 2:1 proportion for the full and half blood

311


CIVIL LAW Other collaterals State

The whole estate, per capita, the nearer in degree excluding the more remote The whole estate Assignment and disposition 1. If decedent was a resident of the Philippines at any time: a. Personal property – to municipality of last residence b. Real property – where situated 2. If decedent was never a resident of the Philippines Personal and real property – where respectively situated How property is to be used: 1. For the benefit of public educational and charitable institutions in the respective municipalities/cities 2. Alternatively, at the instance of an interested party, or motu propio, court may order creation of a permanent trust for the benefit of the institutions concerned

RIGHT OF REPRESENTATION

Q: Does the representative inherit from the person represented?

Q: What is right of representation? A: No. In representation, the representative does not inherit from the person represented but from the testator or decedent.

A: Right created by fiction of law where the representative is raised to the place and degree of the person represented, and acquires the rights which the latter would have if he were living or could have inherited.

Q: Where does right of representation take place?

Q: What is the effect of representation?

A: Representation takes place in the direct descending line, never in the ascending.

A: Whenever there is succession by representation, the division of the estate shall be made per stirpes, in such manner that the representative or representatives shall not inherit more than what the person they represent would inherit, if he were living or could inherit (Art. 974).

Note: The representative himself must be capable of succeeding the decedent. An illegitimate child can represent his father, provided that the father was also illegitimate.

Note: Per stirpes means inheritance by group, all those within the group inheriting in equal shares.

Q: Does right of representation apply in the collateral line?

Q: When does right of representation arise?

A: Right of representation takes place only in favor of children of brothers or sisters, whether full or half blood and only if they concur with at least one uncle or aunt.

A: Representation may arise either because of: 1. predecease 2. incapacity 3. disinheritance

Note: This rule applies only when the decedent does not have descendants.

Q: When is right or representation not available? A: 1.

2.

Q: What is the effect if there is no uncle or aunt upon whom the children, who seek to invoke the right of representation, can concur with?

As to compulsory heirs: In case of repudiation, the one who repudiates his inheritance cannot be represented. Their own heirs inherit in their own right. As to voluntary heirs: Voluntary heirs, legatees and devisees who: a. Predecease the testator b. Renounce the inheritance cannot be represented by their own heirs, with respect to their supposed inheritance.


A: There shall be no right of representation and ultimately they shall not inherit following Art. 975.

312

SUCCESSION Q: May an illegitimate sibling of the decedent be represented?

Q: Distinguish the application of iron curtain rule and right of representation

A: Yes. An illegitimate brother or sister of the deceased can be represented by his children, without prejudice to the application of the Iron Curtain Rule (Tolentino, p. 451).

A: IRON CURTAIN RULE Prohibits absolutely a succession ab intestato between the illegitimate child and the legitimate children and relatives of the father or mother of said illegitimate child.

Q: Does the right of representation apply to adopted children? A: No. The right of representation cannot be invoked by adopted children because they cannot represent their adopting parents to the inheritance of the latter’s parents. Reason: The law does not create any relationship between the adopted child and the relatives of the adopting parents, not even to the biological or legitimate children of the adopting parents.

Note: Iron curtain rule imposes a limitation on right of representation.

RIGHT OF REPRESENTATION Right created by fiction of law where the representative is raised to the place and degree of the person represented, and acquires the rights which the latter would have if he were living or could have inherited.

Applies only in intestate Applies to both intestate succession and testate succession Determining factor: who died first? Is it the parent of the illegitimate child or is it the legitimate relative or child of his parent? Applies if the one who Applies if the one who died first is the died first is the legitimate illegitimate’s parent. parent or child of the illegitimate’s parent. Reason: illegitimate will be representing his parent Reason: illegitimate because of the inherits from his parent’s predecease, the bar estate which includes his imposed by the iron parent’s inheritance from curtain rule is rendered said legitimate relative or operative to prevent such. child who died.

Note: Under R.A. 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Law, the adopted child and the adopting parents have reciprocal successional rights.

Q: What is the rule on equal division of lines? A: GR: Intestate heirs equal in degree inherit in equal shares. XPN: 1. In the ascending line, the rule of division by line is ½ to the maternal line and ½ to the paternal line, and within each line, the division is per capita. 2. In the collateral line, the full-blood brothers/sisters will get double that of the halfblood. 3. The division in representation, where division is per stirpes – the representative divide only the share pertaining to the person represented. Note: Compulsory heirs shall, in no case, inherit ab intesto less than their legitime as provided in testamentary succession.

IRON CURTAIN RULE Q: What is the iron-curtain rule? A: Art. 992 of the Civil Code provides that illegitimate children cannot inherit ab intestato from the legitimate children and relatives of his mother or father. Legitimate children and relatives cannot inherit in the same way from the illegitimate child. Note: The iron curtain rule only applies in intestate succession. There is a barrier recognized by law between the legitimate relatives and the illegitimate child so that one cannot inherit from the other and vice-versa.

313


CIVIL LAW Right of Representation and Iron Curtain Rule

(D)†

If the child to be represented is LEGITIMATE – only legitimate children/ descendants can represent him

If the child to be represented is ILLEGITIMATE – both legit & illegit children/ descendants can represent him

Legit X†

Illegit Y†

Predeceased D

Predeceased D

legit (X1)

illegit (X2)

legit (Y2)

illegit (Y1)

Iron Curtain Rule applies

Since X and Y both predeceased D, only X1 can represent X. X2 cannot by virtue of the iron curtain rule. Both Y1 and Y2 can represent Y

PROVISIONS COMMON TO TESTATE AND INTESTATE SUCCESSION

Q: In testamentary succession, in what instances may accretion take place?

RIGHT OF ACCRETION A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Q: What is accretion? A: Accretion is a right by virtue of which, when two or more persons are called to the same inheritance, devise or legacy, the part assigned to the one who renounces or cannot receive his share, or who died before the testator, is added or incorporated to that of his co-heir, co-devisees, or co-legatees.

5.

Predecease Incapacity Renunciation Non-fulfillment of suspensive condition imposed upon instituted heir Ineffective testamentary disposition

Q: In intestate succession, in what instances may accretion take place?

Basis: Accretion is a right based on the presumed will of the deceased that he prefers to give certain properties to certain individuals rather than to his legal heirs. Accretion is preferred over intestacy.

A: 1. 2. 3.

Predecease of legal heir Incapacity of legal heir Repudiation by legal heir

Q: What are the requisites of accretion? A: 1.

2.

Note: Accretion takes place only if there is no representation. In renunciation, there is always accretion.

Two or more persons must have been called in the testator’s will to the same inheritance, legacy or devise, or to the same portion thereof, pro indiviso There must be a vacancy in the inheritance, legacy or devise as a result of predecease, incapacity or repudiation


Reason: No representation in renunciation.

314

SUCCESSION Q: Distinguish substitution, representation and accretion in testate and intestate succession A: TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION With respect to LEGITIME in case of predecease, incapacity and disinheritance 1. If the right of representation takes place, then the representative succeeds to the vacant portion. 2.

3.

If representation is not available, then the coheirs of the same degree shall succeed to it in their own right and not by accretion since there is no accretion with respect to the legitime In default of the above, the vacant portion shall go to the other secondary and/or other compulsory heirs

INTESTATE SUCCESSION In case of predecease and incapacity 1.

Note: Representation takes place in case of predecease and incapacity with respect to inheritance conferred by law. Hence, it takes place in legal or intestate succession.

2.

If representation is not available, then the vacant portion shall go to the co-heirs in their own right

3.

In default thereof, then the vacant share shall go to the heirs in the next order of intestacy

Note: Substitution cannot take place with respect to legitime

With respect to LEGITIME in case of repudiation 1. The other co-heirs shall succeed to it in their own right and not by right of accretion since there is no accretion with respect to legitime 2.

In default thereof, the vacant portion shall go to the other secondary and/or compulsory heirs

Note: Representation does not take place in repudiation. Note: Substitution cannot take place with respect to legitime

If the right of representation takes place, then the representative succeeds to the vacant portion.

In case of repudiation The vacant portion shall go to the other co-heirs by right of accretion. In legal succession, the share of the person who repudiates the inheritance always accrue to his co-heirs In default thereof, the vacant share shall go to heirs of next degree in their own right In default thereof, it shall go to the heirs in the next order of intestacy

With respect to the FREE PORTION in case of predecease, incapacity or renunciation 1. Substitution shall take place if provided for by the testator 2.

If no substitution is provided, the vacant share shall go to the co-heir by right of accretion if the requisites are present and the testator has not provided to the contrary

3.

If the requisites of accretion are not present or when the testator provides that no accretion shall take place, the vacant portion shall pass to the legal heirs if no substitute has been designated

Note: In testamentary succession, representation takes place only with respect to the legitime; it does not take place with respect to what is voluntarily given by will

315


CIVIL LAW CAPACITY TO SUCCEED BY WILL OR INTESTACY

institution to which such priest or minister may belong;

PERSONS INCAPABLE OF SUCCEEDING 3.

A Guardian with respect to testamentary dispositions given by a ward in his favor before the final accounts of the guardianship have been approved, even if the testator should die after the approval thereof; nevertheless, any provision made by the ward in favor of the guardian when the latter is his ascendants, descendant, brother, sister, or spouse, shall be valid;

4.

Any attesting Witness to the execution of a will, the spouse, parents, or children, or any one claiming under such witness, spouse, parents, or children;

Q: What does absolute incapacity to succeed mean? A: It means the person is incapacitated to succeed in any form, whether by testate or intestate succession. Q: Who are absolutely incapacitated to succeed? A: 1. 2. 3.

Those not living at the time of death of the testator Those who cannot be identified. (Art. 845) Those who are not permitted by law to inherit. (Art. 1027)

Note: Numbers 1 to 4 do not apply to legitimes.

When do you determine capacity? 5.

A: GR: In order to judge the capacity of the heir, devisee, or legatee, his qualification at the time of the death of the decedent shall be the criterion.

Any Physician, surgeon, nurse, health officer or druggist who took care of the testator during his last illness; Note: Number 5 is an absolute disqualification.

XPN: If the institution, devise or legacy should be conditional (suspensive condition), the capacity is to be determined not only at the time of the death of the decedent but also at the time of the fulfillment of the condition.

6.

Individuals, associations and corporations not permitted by law to inherit.

Q: What are the requisites for a priest to be disqualified from inheriting?

Q: What is the governing law in determining the capacity to succeed of the heir, devisee, legatee?

A: 1.

A: Law of the nation of the decedent

2.

RELATIVE INCAPACITY TO SUCCEED

The will was made during the last illness of the testator; The spiritual ministration must have been extended during the last illness; The will was executed during or after the spiritual ministration.

Q: What is relative incapacity to succeed?

3.

A: It means the person is incapacitated to succeed because of some special relation to the testator

Q: Who are covered by this disqualification to inherit? A: PMRC 1. Priest who heard the confession of the testator during his last illness; 2. Minister of the gospel who extended spiritual aid to him during the same period; 3. Relatives of such priest or minister of the gospel within the fourth degree; or 4. The Church, order, chapter, community, organization, or institution to which such priest or minister may belong;

Q: What are the grounds for relative incapacity to succeed? A: UMA 1. Undue influence or interest (Art. 1027) 2. Morality or public policy (Art. 739) 3. Acts of unworthiness (Art. 1032) Q: Who are incapacitated to succeed based on undue influence or interest?

Q: If the confession was made before the will was made, can the priest inherit upon the death of the sick person, if:

A: PRG-WPI 1. The Priest who heard the confession of the testator during his last illness, or the minister of the gospel who extended spiritual aid to him during the same period; 2.

1. 2. A: 1.

The Relatives of such priest or minister of the gospel within the fourth degree, the church, order, chapter, community, organization, or


316

The priest is the son of the sick person? The priest was the sick person’s brother?

Yes. He can get the legitime.

SUCCESSION Note: A priest is incapacitated to succeed when the confession is made prior to or simultaneously with the making of a will.

Q: Upon whom does the disqualification apply? A: PSN-HD 1. Physician; 2. Surgeon; 3. Nurse; 4. Health officer; or 5. Druggist

The disqualification applies only to testamentary dispositions. 2.

Yes. He can inherit by intestacy. Note: Despite this apparent restriction to Christian ministers, this applies to all spiritual ministers, e.g., Buddhist monks.

Q: Who are incapacitated to succeed based on morality or public policy?

Reason: It is conclusively presumed that the spiritual minister used his moral influence to induce or influence the sick person to make a testamentary disposition in his favor.

A: ACO 1. 2.

Q: When is a guardian disqualified from inheriting by testate succession?

3.

A: GR: The disqualification applies when the disposition is made before the approval of final accounts or lifting of guardianship.

Q: Who are incapacitated to succeed by reason of unworthiness?

XPN: It does not apply even when the disposition is made after the guardianship began or before it is terminated when the guardian is an: ADBSS 1. Ascendant 2. Descendant 3. Brother 4. Sister 5. Spouse

A: P-CAV-AFP-F 1. Parents who have abandoned their children or induced their daughters to lead a corrupt or immoral life, or attempted against their virtues 2. Persons Convicted of an attempt against the life of the testator, his or her spouse, descendants or ascendants 3. Persons who Accused the testator of a crime for which the law prescribes imprisonment for six years or more, if the accusation has been found to be groundless 4. Heir of full age who, having knowledge of the Violent death of the testator, should fail to report it to an officer of the law within a month unless the authorities have already taken action.

Q: Who are covered by the disqualification on attesting witnesses? A: 1. 2.

3.

Attesting witness to the execution of a will; The attesting witness’: a. spouse b. parents c. children Any one claiming under such witness, spouse, parents, or children;

Note: This prohibition shall not apply to cases wherein, according to law, there is no obligation to make an accusation.

Q: Will the disqualification still apply if there are other witnesses to the will?

5. 6.

A: It depends upon compliance with the requisite number of witnesses. If, notwithstanding the disqualified witness, the number of witnesses is sufficient, the former is not disqualified.

7.

Q: What must be present for the disqualification of physician to apply? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Persons guilty of Adultery or concubinage with the testator at the time of the making of the will Persons guilty of the same Criminal offense, in consideration thereof A public officer or his wife, descendants and ascendants, by reason of his Office (Art. 1028 in relation to Art. 739)

8.

The will was made during the last illness The sick person must have been taken cared of during his last illness Medical attendance was made The will was executed during or after he was being taken care of

Person convicted of Adultery or concubinage with the spouse of the testator Person who by Fraud, violence, intimidation, or undue influence should cause the testator to make a will or to change one already made Person who by the same means Prevents another from making a will, or from revoking one already made, or who supplants, conceals, or alters the latter's will Person who Falsifies or forges a supposed will of the decedent. (Art. 1032)

Note: Grounds 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 are the same grounds as in disinheritance. Numbers 6, 7 and 8 cover six (6) acts which relate to wills: 1. Causing the testator to make a will 2. Causing the testator to change an existing will 3. Preventing the decedent from making a will 4. Preventing the testator from revoking his will

317


CIVIL LAW 5. 6.

Supplanting, concealing, or altering the testator's will. Falsifying or forging a supposed will of the decedent.

Q: When is inheritance deemed accepted?

Q: Distinguish Unworthiness from Disinheritance

A: 1. 2.

A:

3.

UNWORTHINESS vs. DISINHERITANCE

DISINHERITANCE UNWORTHINESS Effects on the inheritance Exclusion from the entire Deprivation of a compulsory inheritance. However, heir of his legitime. donations inter vivos are not affected. Effects of pardon or reconciliation Reconciliation between the offender and the offended If the testator pardons the party deprives the latter of act of unworthiness, the the right to disinherit, and cause of unworthiness shall renders ineffectual any be without effect. disinheritance that may have been made. Manner of reconciliation or pardon

4.

When the heir sells, donates, or assigns his rights When the heir renounces it for the benefit of one or more heirs When renunciation is in favor of all heirs indiscriminately for consideration Other tacit acts of acceptance a. Heir demands partition of the inheritance b. Heir alienates some objects of the inheritance c. Acts of preservation or administration if, through such acts, the title or capacity of the heir has been assumed d. Under Art. 1057, failure to signify acceptance or repudiation within 30 days after an order of distribution by the probate court.

Q: What are the ways by which the repudiation of the inheritance, legacy or devise may be made? A: 1. 2. 3.

Express or implied Grounds There are grounds for disinheritance which are also causes for incapacity by reason of unworthiness.

By means of a public instrument By means of an authentic instrument By means of a petition presented to the court having jurisdiction over the testamentary or intestate proceedings.

Effect of subsequent reconciliation if disinheritance has already been made on any of the grounds which are also causes for unworthiness

Q: What is the effect of repudiation if an heir is both a testate and legal heir?

The moment the testator uses one of the causes for unworthiness as a ground for disinheritance, he thereby submits it to the rule on disinheritance. (Rabuya, Civil Law Reviewer, pp. 644-649; 704-708) ACCEPTANCE AND REPUDIATION OF THE INHERITANCE

A: If an heir is both a testate and legal heir, the repudiation of the inheritance as a testate heir, he is understood to have repudiated in both capacities. However, should he repudiate as a legal heir, without knowledge of being a testate heir, he may still accept the inheritance as a testate heir.

Q: What are the three principal characteristics of acceptance and repudiation?

Q: What is the remedy if the heir repudiates the inheritance to the prejudice of his creditors?

A: 1. 2. 3.

A: If the heir repudiates the inheritance to the prejudice of his own creditors, the latter may petition the court to authorize them to accept it in the name of the heir.

It is voluntary and free It is retroactive Once made, it is irrevocable

Requisites: 1. The heir who repudiated his inheritance must have been indebted at the time when the repudiation is made 2. The heir-debtor must have repudiated his inheritance according to the formalities prescribed by law 3. Such act of repudiation must be prejudicial to the creditor or creditors. 4. There must be judicial authorization (Art. 1052)

Q: What are the requisites of acceptance and repudiation? A: 1. 2.

Certainty of the death of the decedent Certainty of the right of inheritance

Q: How may inheritance be accepted? A: 1. 2.

Express acceptance – through a public or private instrument Tacit acceptance – through acts by which the intention to accept is necessarily implied or which one would have no right to do except in the capacity of an heir.


318

SUCCESSION PARTITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE

4.

Q: What is partition and distribution? A: It is the separation, division and assignment of a thing held in common among those to whom it may belong.

An action to enforce warranty among co-heirs must be brought within 10 years from the date the right of cause of action accrues.

Q: What are the effects of the inclusion of an intruder in partition?

Q: Who may effect partition? A: 1.

A: The partition may be effected either: 1. By the decedent himself during his lifetime by an act inter vivos or by will 2. By a third person designated by the decedent or by the heirs themselves 3. By a competent court in accordance with the New Rules of Court

2.

3.

Q: Who can demand partition? A: Any: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Between a true heir and several mistaken heirs – partition is void. Between several true heirs and a mistaken heir – transmission to mistaken heir is void. Through the error or mistake; share of true heir is allotted to mistaken heir – partition shall not be rescinded unless there is bad faith or fraud on the part of the other persons interested, but the latter shall be proportionately obliged to pay the true heir of his share.

Compulsory heir Voluntary heir Legatee or devisee Person who has acquired an interest in the estate

Q: When partition cannot be demanded? A: Partition cannot be demanded when: PAPU 1. Expressly Prohibited by testator for a period not more than 20 years 2. Co-heirs Agreed that estate not be divided for period not more than 10 years, renewable for another 10 yrs 3. Prohibited by law 4. To partition estate would render it Unserviceable for use for which it was intended Q: Can an estate be partitioned inter vivos? A: Yes. Such partition shall be respected, insofar as it does not prejudice the legitime of compulsory heirs. (See Art. 1080) Q: What are the effects of partition? A: 1. 2.

3.

Confers upon each heir the exclusive ownership of property adjudicated. After the partition, the co-heirs shall be reciprocally bound to warrant the title to (warranty against eviction) and the quality of (warranty against hidden defects) each property adjudicated. The obligation of warranty shall cease in the following cases: a. When the testator himself has made the partition unless his intention was otherwise, but the legitime shall always remain unimpaired. b. When it has been expressly stipulated in the agreement of partition, unless there has been bad faith. c. When the eviction was due to a cause subsequent to the partition, or has been caused by the fault of the distributee of the property.

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CIVIL LAW PARTNERSHIP

the view of dividing them among the contracting parties.

CONTRACT OF PARTNERSHIP Q: What are the essential features of partnership? Q: What is partnership? A: A: A contract whereby two or more persons bind themselves to contribute money, property, or industry to a common fund, with the intention of dividing the profits among themselves (Art. 1767).

1. 2.

Note: Two or more persons may also form a partnership for the exercise of a profession (Art. 1767).

4. 5.

3.

Q: Is the formation of a partnership an absolute right? A: To organize a corporation or a partnership that could claim a juridical personality of its own and transact business as such is not a matter of right but a privilege which may be enjoyed only under such terms as the State may deem necessary to impose (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 27)

Q: Jose entered into a verbal agreement with Francisco to form a partnership for the purchase of cascoes for a proposed boat rental business. It was agreed that Francisco would buy the cascoes and each partner is to furnish such amount of money as he could, and that the profits will be divided proportionately. After Francisco purchased a casco with the money advanced by Jose, they undertook to draft the articles of partnership and embody the same in an authentic document. However, they did not come to an agreement. So, Francisco returned the money advanced by Jose, which the latter received with an express reservation of all his rights as a partner. 1. Was there a partnership formed between Jose and Francisco? 2. If such partnership existed, was it terminated by the receipt of Jose of the money he advanced?

Q: When does the contract of partnership commence? A: A partnership is a consensual contract; hence, it exists from the moment of the celebration of the contract by the partners. Q: What are the essential elements of a partnership? A: 1.

2.

Agreement to contribute money, property or industry to a common fund (mutual contribution to a common stock); and Intention to divide the profits among the contracting parties (joint interest in the profits) (Evangelista v. Collector of Internal Revenue, G.R. No. L-9996, Oct. 15, 1987).

A: 1.

Q: What are the characteristics of a partnership? A: BON-CC-PP 1. Bilateral – it is entered into by two or more persons and the rights and obligations arising therefrom are always reciprocal 2. Onerous – each of the parties aspires to procure for himself a benefit through the giving of something 3. Nominate – it has a special name or designation in our law 4. Consensual – perfected by mere consent, upon the express or implied agreement of two or more persons 5. Commutative – the undertaking of each of the partners is considered as the equivalent of that of the others 6. Principal – it does not depend for its existence or validity upon some other contracts 7. Preparatory – because it is entered into as a means to an end, i.e. to engage in business or specific venture for the realization of profits with UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

There must be a valid contract The parties (two or more persons) must have legal capacity to enter into the contract There must be a mutual contribution of money, property, or industry to a common fund The object must be lawful The primary purpose must be to obtain profits and to divide the same among the parties (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 13)

2.

Yes. Both elements in a contract of partnership exist: a) mutual contribution to a common stock, and b) a joint interest in the profits. If the contract contains these two elements, a partnership relation results, and the law itself fixes the incidents of this relation if the parties fail to do so. In this case, there was money furnished by Jose and received by Francisco for the purchase of the cascoes and there was also an intention to divide the profits proportionately between them. Thus, there is a partnership by virtue of the verbal agreement between Jose and Francisco. No. There was no clear intent on the part of Jose, in accepting the money, to relinquish his rights as a partner (Fernandez v. Dela Rosa, G.R. No. 413, Feb. 2, 1903).

Note: The partnership relation is not the contract itself, but the result of the contract. The relation is evidenced by the terms of the contract which may be oral or written, express or implied from the acts and declarations of the parties, subject to the provisions of Articles 1771-1773 and to the Statute of Frauds (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 13).

Q: Discuss the so-called “Articles of Partnership.” A: While partnership relation may be informally created and its existence proved by manifestations of the parties, it

320

PARTNERSHIP is customary to embody the terms of the association in a written document known as “Articles of Partnership” stating the name, nature or purpose and location of the firm, and defining, among others, the powers, rights, duties, and liabilities of the partners among themselves, their contributions, the manner by which the profits and losses are to be shared, and the procedure for dissolving the partnership (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 13).

Q: Henry and Lyons are engaged in real estate business and are co-owners of a parcel of land. Henry, with the consent of Lyons, mortgaged the property to raise the funds sufficient to buy and develop the San Juan Estate. Lyons expressed his desire not to be part of the development project, but Henry, nevertheless, pursued the business alone. When the business prospered, Lyons demanded for a share in the business. Is Lyons entitled to the shares in San Juan Estate?

Q: What does mean?

A: No. Lyons himself manifested his desire not to be part of the development project. Thus, no partnership was formed. The mortgage of the land was immaterial to the existence of the partnership. It is clear that Henry, in buying the San Juan Estate, was not acting for any partnership composed of himself and Lyons, and the law cannot be distorted into a proposition which would make Lyons a participant in this deal contrary to his express determination. (Lyons v. Rosenstock, G.R. No. 35469, Mar. 17, 1932)

A: Under the Code of Commerce, cuentas en participacion means a sort of an accidental partnership constituted in such a manner that its existence was only known to those who had an interest in the same, there being no mutual agreement between the partners, and without a corporate name indicating to the public in some way that there were other people besides the one who ostensibly managed and conducted the business, governed under article 239 of the Code of Commerce (Bourns v. Carman, G.R. No. L-2880, Dec. 4, 1906).

Q: Catalino and Ceferino acquired a joint tenancy over a parcel of land under a verbal contract of partnership. It was stipulated that each of the said purchasers should pay one-half of the price and that an equal division should be made between them of the land thus purchased. Despite Catalino’s demand for an equal division between them, Ceferino refused to do so and even profited from the fruits of the land. Are they partners or co-owners?

Q: What are the typical incidents of partnership? A: 1. 2. 3.

4.

5. 6.

The partners share in profits and losses. (Arts. 1767,1797-98) They have equal rights in the management and conduct of the partnership business. (Art. 1803) Every partner is an agent of the partnership, and entitled to bind the other partners by his acts, for the purpose of its business. (Art. 1818). He may also be liable for the entire partnership obligations. All partners are personally liable for the debts of the partnership with their separate property (Arts. 1816, 1822-24) except limited partners are not bound beyond the amount of their investment (Art 1843). A fiduciary relation exists between the partners. (Art. 1807) On dissolution, the partnership is not terminated, but continues until the winding up of partnership is completed. (Art 1828)

A: They are co-owners because it does not appear that they entered into any contract of partnership but only for the sole purpose of acquiring jointly or by mutual agreement of the land under the condition that they would pay ½ of the price of the land and that it be divided equally between them. (Gallemit v. Tabiliran, G.R. No. 5837, Sept. 15, 1911)

Note: Such incidents may be modified by stipulation of the partners subject to the rights of third persons dealing with the partnership.

Q: Before there can be a valid contract of partnership, it is essential that the contracting parties have the necessary legal capacity to enter into the contract. Consequently, any person who cannot give consent to a contract cannot be a partner. Who are the persons who cannot give their consent to a contract of partnership? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Unemancipated minors; Insane or demented persons; Deaf-mutes who do not know how to write; Persons who are suffering from civil interdiction; and Incompetents who are under guardianship

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CIVIL LAW Q: What are the distinctions between partnership, co-ownership and corporation? A: PARTNERSHIP Created by contract or by mere agreement of the parties

CO-OWNERSHIP Creation

COPORATION

Created by law

Created by law

Juridical Personality Has juridical personality separate and distinct from that of each partner

None

Has juridical personality separate and distinct from that of each corporators

Purpose Common enjoyment of a thing or Depends in Articles of Realization of profits right Incorporation (AOI) Duration/ Term of Existence 10 years maximum (May be 50 years maximum, extendible for No limitation extended by new agreement, Art. not more than 50 years in any one 494, Civil Code) instance Number of incorporators Minimum of 2 persons Minimum of 2 persons Minimum of 5 persons Commencement of Juridical Personality From the moment of execution of From the date of issuance of the None the contract of partnership certificate of incorporation Disposal/ Transferability of Interest Partner may not dispose of his Stockholder has a right to transfer individual interest unless agreed Co-owner may freely do so shares without prior consent of upon by all partners other stockholders rd Power to Act with 3 Persons In absence of stipulation to contrary, a partner may bind Co-owner cannot represent the Management is vested with the partnership – each partner is co-ownership BOD agent of partnership Effect of Death Death of a partner results in Death of co-owner does not Death of stockholder does not dissolution of partnership necessarily dissolve co-ownership dissolve the corporation Dissolution May be dissolved at any time by May be dissolved anytime by the Can only be dissolved with the the will of any or all of the will of any or all of the co-owners consent of the State partners


322

PARTNERSHIP Q: What is a joint venture? Q: What are those that can be contributed by a partner? A: An association of persons or companies jointly undertaking some commercial enterprise; generally, all contributes assets and share risks. It requires a community of interest in the performance of the subject matter, a right to direct and govern the policy in connection therewith, and a duty which may be altered by agreement to share both in profits and losses.

A: MONEY PROPERTY INDUSTRY The term is to be The property The word “industry” understood as contributed has been referring to may be real or interprered to currency which is personal, mean the active a legal tender in corporeal or cooperation, the the Philippines. incorporeal. work of the party Checks, drafts, Hence, credit associated, which promissory notes such as may be either payable to order, promissory personal manual and other note or other efforts or mercantile evidence of intellectual, and for documents are obligation or which he receives a not money but even goodwill share in the profits only may be (not merely salary) representatives of contributed, as of the business money. There is they are no contribution of considered money until they property have been encashed (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 19).

Q: What is the difference between a partnership and a joint venture? A: Partnership Joint Venture Transactions entered into The duration of a partnership generally relates to a continuing business of various transactions of a certain kind.

Limited to the period in which the goods are sold or the project is carried on or a single transaction.

Nature Permanent - partners are interested in carrying on together of a general and continuing business of a Temporary, although it particular kind. may continue for a number of years.

Q: May a partnership be formed even if the common fund is comprised entirely of borrowed or loaned money? What would be the liability of the partners in such a case?

Note: A particular partnership has a limited and temporary or ad hoc nature, being confined to a single undertaking.

A: Yes. A partnership may be deemed to exist among parties who agree to borrow money to pursue a business and to divide the profits or losses that may arise therefrom, even if it is shown that they have not contributed any capital of their own to a "common fund." Their contribution may be in the form of credit or industry, not necessarily cash or fixed assets. Being partners, they are all liable for debts incurred by or on behalf of the partnership. (Lim Tong Lim v. Philippine Fishing Gear Industries, Inc., G.R. No. 136448, Nov. 3, 1999)

Firm Name and Liablities There must be a partnership A firm name is not or firm name under which necessary, thus the the partnership shall participating persons can operate. The names of the transact business under partners may appear in the their own name and can be firm name and the act of the individually liable partners will make the therefore. partnership liable. Corporation as partner Corporation cannot enter Corporations can engage in into a partnership contract, a joint venture with others thus it cannot be a partner through a contract of by reason of public policy; agreement if the nature of otherwise people other than the venture in line with the its officers may be able to business of the corporation bind it (Albano, Civil Law and it is authorized in its Reviewer, 1998, p.570) charter. Legal Personality A partnership acquires personality after following the requisites required by law. e.g. Art. 1771-1773 Note: SEC registration is not required before a partnership acquires legal personality. (Art. 1768)

SHARE IN PROFITS AND LOSSES Q: Is sharing of profits conclusive evidence of partnership? A: The sharing in profits is merely presumptive and not conclusive, even if cogent, evidence of partnership. There are numerous instances of parties who have a common interest in the parties and losses of an enterprise but who are not partners. Thus, if the division of profits is merely used as guide to determine the compensation due to one of the parties, such is not a partner (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 25). Q: Mariano and Isabelo entered into a partnership agreement wherein they are to contribute P15,000 each for the purpose of printing 95,000 posters. Isabelo was unable to print enough posters pursuant to the agreement, thus he executed in favor of Mariano a promissory note in an amount equivalent to the unrealized profit due to insufficient printing. The whole

A joint venture has no legal personality.

323


CIVIL LAW amount became due but Isabelo defaulted payment. Is Mariano entitled to file a case for the recovery of the unrealized profit of the partnership?

Q: What are the rules regarding distribution of profits and losses? A: 1.

A: No. The essence of a partnership is to share in the profits and losses, thus, Mariano should shoulder the losses with Isabelo (Moran Jr., v. CA, G.R. No. L-59956, Oct. 31, 1984).

a. b.

Q: Is it necessary for the parties to agree upon a system of sharing losses? A: No, for the obligation is implied in the partnership relation. If only the share of each partner in the profits has been agreed upon, the share of each in the losses shall be in the same proportion.

2. a. b.

Note: The definition of partnership under Article 1767 refers to “profits” only and is silent as to “losses.” The reason is that the object of partnership is primarily the sharing of profits, while the distribution of losses is but a “consequence of the same.” Be that as it may, the right to share in the profits carries with it the duty to contribute to the losses, of any.

c.

Q: To form a lending business, it was verbally agreed that Noynoy would act as financier while Cory and Kris would take charge of solicitation of members and collection of loan payments. They agreed that Noynoy would receive 70% of the profits while Cory and Kris would earn 15% each. The parties executed the 'Articles of Agreement' which formalized their earlier verbal agreement. Later, Noynoy filed a complaint against Cory and Kris for misappropriation of funds allegedly in their capacities as Noynoy’s employees. In their answer, Cory and Kris asserted that they were partners and not mere employees of Noynoy. What kind of relationship existed between the parties?

Q: What is the rule regarding a stipulation which excludes a partner in the sharing of profits and losses? A: GR: Stipulation is void but the partnership subsists XPN: Industrial partner is not liable for losses [Art. 1797(2)]. However, he is not exempted from liability insofar as third persons are concerned. Note: If the industrial partner has contributed capital other than his services, he shall also receive a share in the profits in proportion to his capital.

RULES TO DETERMINE EXISTENCE

A: A partnership was formed among the parties. The "Articles of Agreement" stipulated that the signatories shall share the profits of the business in a 70-15-15 manner, with Noynoy getting the lion's share. This stipulation clearly proved the establishment of a partnership. (Santos v. Spouses Reyes, G.R. No.135813, Oct. 25, 2001)

Q: What are the rules to determine the existence of partnership? A: 1.

Q: Jose conveyed his lots in favor of his four sons in order for them to build their residences. His sons sold the lots since they found the lots impractical for residential purposes because of high costs of construction. They derived profits from the sale and paid income tax. The sons were required to pay corporate income tax and income tax deficiency, on the theory that they formed an unregistered partnership or joint venture taxable as a corporation. Did the siblings form a partnership?

2.

3.

4.

A: No. The original purpose was to divide the lots for residential purposes. If later, they found out that it is not feasible to build their residences on the lots, they can dissolve the co-ownership by reselling said lots. The division on the profit was merely incidental to the dissolution of the co-ownership which was in the nature of things a temporary state (Obillos, Jr. v. CIR, G.R. No. L-68118, Oct. 29, 1985)


Distribution of profits The partners share in the profits according to their agreement In the absence of such: i. Capitalist partner – in proportion to his contribution ii. Industrial partner – what is just and equitable under the circumstances Distribution of losses The partners share in the losses according to their agreement In the absence of such, according to their agreement as to profits but the industrial partner shall not be liable for losses. In the absence of profit agreement, in proportion to his capital contribution, but the purely industrial partner shall not be liable for the losses.

324

Except as provided by Art. 1825 (partnership by estoppel), persons who are not partners as to each other are not partners as to third persons; Co-ownership or co-possession does not of itself establish a partnership, whether such co-owners or copossessors do or do not share any profits made by the use of the property; The sharing of gross returns does not of itself establish a partnership, whether or not the persons sharing them have a joint or common right or interest in any property from which the returns are derived; The receipt by a person of a share of the profits of a business is prima facie evidence that he is a partner in the business, but no such inference shall be drawn if such profits were received in payment: a. As a debt by installments or otherwise; b. As wages of an employee or rent to a landlord; c. As an annuity to a widow or representative of a deceased partner;

PARTNERSHIP d. e.

As interest on a loan, though the amount of payment vary with the profits of the business; As the consideration for the sale for the sale of a goodwill of a business or other property by installments or otherwise. (Art. 1769)

HOW PARTNERSHIP IS FORMED Q: How are partnerships formed? A: It is created by agreement of the parties (consensual).

Note: In sub-paragraphs a – e, the profits in the business are not shared as profits of a partner as a partner, but in some other respects or for some other purpose.

Note: There is no such thing as a partnership created by law or by operation or implication of law alone. (De Leon, Comments and cases on Partnership, Agency and Trust, p. 13, 2005 ed.

Q: Who has the burden of proving the existence of a partnership?

Q: What are the formalities needed for the creation of a partnership?

A: The burden of proving the existence of a partnership rests on the party having the affirmative of that issue. The existence of a partnership must be proved and will not be presumed.

A: GR: No special form is required for its validity or existence (Art. 1771). The contract may be made orally or in writing regardless of the value of the contributions.

Note: However, when a partnership is shown to exist, the presumption is that it continues in the absence of evidence to the contrary, and the burden of proof is on the person asserting its termination (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 43)

XPN: If property or real rights have been contributed to the partnership: 1. Personal property a. Less than P3,000 – may be oral b. P 3,000 or more – must be: i. in a public instrument; and ii. registered with SEC (Art. 1772)

Q: Can a person who alleges the existence of partnership prove it by evidence of an agreement wherein the parties call themselves partners?

Note: Even if the partnership is not registered with SEC, the partnership is still valid and possesses a distinct personality (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, Volume 5, p. 412, 1969 6th ed)

A: No, since use of the term “partner” in popular sense, or as a matter of business convenience, will not necessarily import an intention that a legal partnership should result. But while the use of “partnership” or “partners” in an alleged oral agreement claimed to have constituted partnership is not conclusive that partnership did not exist, non-use of such terms is entitled to weight (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 43).

2.

EFFECTS OF AN UNLAWFUL PARTNERSHIP

iii.

Q: What are the consequences of a partnership formed for an unlawful purpose?

Real property or real rights – must be: a. in a public instrument (Art. 1771) b. with an inventory of said property i. signed by the parties ii. attached to the public instrument (Art. 1773) registered in the Registry of Property of the province, where the real property is found to bind third persons (Paras, p. 412)

3. A: 1. 2. 3.

4.

The contract is void ab initio and the partnership never existed in the eyes of the law The profits shall be confiscated in favor of the government The instruments or tools and proceeds of the crime shall also be forfeited in favor of the government The contributions of the partners shall not be confiscated unless they fall under No.3 (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 57).

Limited partnership – must be registered as such with SEC, otherwise, it is not valid as a limited partnership but may still be considered a general partnership with juridical personality (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, Volume 5, p. th 412, 1969 6 ed) Note: An agreement to enter in a partnership at a future time, which “by its terms is not performed within a year from the making thereof” is covered by the Statute of Frauds. [Art. 1403(2)] Such agreement is unenforceable unless the same be in writing or at least evidenced by some note or memorandum therof subscribed by the parties. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010 ed., p. 63)

Q: Is judicial decree necessary to dissolve an unlawful partnership?

Q: If the requirements under Art. 1773, as regards contribution of real property to a partnership, has not been complied with, what is the status of the partnership?

A: No, however, it may sometimes be advisable that a judicial decree of dissolution be secured for the convenience and peace of mind of the parties (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 57-58).

A: The contract of partnership is void. Nonetheless, a void partnership under Art. 1773, in relation to Art. 1771, may

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CIVIL LAW still be considered by the courts as an ordinary contract as regards the parties thereto from which rights and obligations to each other may be inferred and enforced (Torres v. CA, G.R. No. 134559, Dec. 9 1999)

derived therefrom as a common fund with the intention to produce profits for them in proportion to their respective shares in the inheritance as determined in a project of partition. What is the effect of such agreement on the existing co-ownership?

Note: Torres v. CA does not involve third persons.

A: The co-ownership is automatically converted into a partnership. From the moment of partition, A and B, as heirs, are entitled already to their respective definite shares of the estate and the income thereof, for each of them to manage and dispose of as exclusively his own without the intervention of the other heirs, and, accordingly, he becomes liable individually for all the taxes in connection therewith.

Q: What must be done in order that the partnership may be effective as against third persons whenever immovable property is contributed? A: To be effective against third persons, the transfer of real property to the partnership must be duly registered in the Registry of Property of the province or city where the property contributed is located. (Art. 1771)

If, after such partition, an heir allows his shares to be held in common with his co-heirs under a single management to be used with the intent of making profit thereby in proportion to his share, there can be no doubt that, even if no document or instrument were executed for the purpose, for tax purposes, at least, an unregistered partnership is formed (Ona v. Commissioner of Internal revenue, 45 SCRA 74 [1972]).

Q: Can there be a partnership based on a verbal agreement, and without such agreement being registered with SEC? A: Yes. Article 1772 requires that partnerships with a capital of P3,000 or more must register with SEC. However, this registration requirement is not mandatory. Article 1768 explicitly provides that the partnership retains its juridical personality even if it fails to register. The failure to register the contract of partnership does not invalidate the same as among the partners, so long as the contract has the essential requisites, because the main purpose of registration is to give notice to third parties, and it can be assumed that the members themselves knew of the contents of their contract. Non-compliance with this directory provision of the law will not invalidate the partnership.

Q: What is the limitation on the parties’ freedom to choose the transaction or transactions they will engage in? A: The only limitation is that the object must be lawful and for the common benefit of the members. The limitation arises not only from the express provisions of the law, but from the general principles of morality and justice (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 56).

A partnership may be constituted in any form, except where immovable property of real rights are contributed thereto, in which case a public instrument shall be necessary. Hence, based on the intention of the parties, a verbal contract of partnership may arise. (Sunga-Chan v. Chua, G.R. No. 143340, Aug. 15, 2001)

PARTNERSHIP TERM Q: When does a partnership commence to exist? A: A partnership begins from the moment of the execution of the contract, unless it is otherwise stipulated (Art 1784).

Note: Registration is merely for administration and licensing purposes; hence, it shall not affect the liability of the partnership and the members thereof to third persons. [Art. 1772, (2)]

Note: Since under Artilce 1784, a partnership commences from the time of execution of the contract if there is no contrary stipulation as to the date of effectivity of the same, its registration in the Securities and Exchange Commission is not essential to give it juridical personality (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 86)

Q: A partnership was entered into between Mauricio and Severino to operate a fishpond. Neither partner contributed a fishpond or a real right over any fish pond. Their capital contributions were in cash in the amount of P1,000 each. While the partnership contract was done in a public instrument, no inventory of the fishpond to be operated was attached in the said instrument. Is there a valid contract of partnership?

Q: What is a “future partnership”? A: It is a kind of partnership where the partners may stipulate some other date for the commencement of the partnership. Persons who enter into a future partnership do not become partners until or unless the agreed time has arrived or the contingency has happened (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010 ed. p.87).

A: Yes. There is a valid contract of partnership despite the lack of inventory. The purpose of the partnership was not to engage in the fishpond business but to operate a fishpond. Neither said fishpond nor a real right to any fish pond was contributed to the partnership (Agad v. Mabato, G.R. No. L-24193, June 28, 1968).

Note: As long as the agreement for a partnership remains inchoate or unperformed, the partnership is not consummated (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 87).

Q: A and B are co-owners of an inherited property. They agreed to use the said common properties and the income UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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PARTNERSHIP Q: What is a partnership with a fixed term? b. A: It is one in which the term of its existence has been agreed upon by the partners either: 1. Expressly – there is a definite period 2. Impliedly – a particular enterprise or transaction is undertaken 2.

Liability of partners a. General partnership – One where all partners are general partners who are liable even with respect to their individual properties, after the assets of the partnership have been exhausted (Paras,p. 411) b. Limited partnership – One formed by 2 or more persons having as members one or more general partners and one or more limited partners, the latter not being personally liable for the obligations of the partnership. (Art. 1843)

3.

Duration a. Partnership at will – Partnership for a particular undertaking or venture which may be terminated anytime by mutual agreement; one for a fixed term or particular undertaking which is continued by the partners after the termination of such term or particular undertaking without express agreement b. Partnership with a fixed period – The term for which the partnership is to exist is fixed or agreed upon or one formed for a particular undertaking.

4.

Legality of existence a. De jure partnership – one which has complied with all the requirements for its establishment b. De facto partnership – one which has failed to comply with all the legal requirements for its establishment.

5.

Representation to others a. Ordinary or real partnership – one which actually exist among the partners and also as to third person. b. Ostensible or partnership by estoppel – When two or more persons attempt to create a partnership but fail to comply with the legal personalities essential for juridical personality, the law considers them as partners, and the association is a partnership insofar as it is favorable to third persons, by reason of the equitable principle of estoppel (MacDonald et. al. v. Nat’l. City Bank of New York, G.R. No. L-7991, May 21, 1956)

6.

Publicity a. Secret partnership – Partnership that is not known to many but only as to its partners.

Note: The mere expectation that the business would be successful and that the partners would be able to recoup their investment is not sufficient to create a partnership for a term.

Q: Can the partners fix any term in the partnership contract? A: Yes, the partners may fix in their contract any term and they shall be bound to remain under such a relation for the duration of the term. Q: What is the effect when the fixed term has expired? A: The expiration of the term fixed or the accomplishment of the particular undertaking specified will cause the automatic dissolution of the partnership. Q: When is a partnership at will terminate? A: It may be lawfully terminated at any time by the express will of all the partners or any of them. Q: How is a partnership at will dissolved? A: Any one of the partners may dictate the dissolution of a partnership at will. Note: The partner who wants the partnership dissolved must do so in good faith, not that the attendance of bad faith can prevent the dissolution of the partnership, but to avoid the liability for damages to other partners.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF PARTNERSHIP Q: State the classifications of partnership A: As to: 1. Object a. Universal partnership i. of all present property (Art. 1778) – the partners contribute all the property which actually belongs to them to a common fund, with the intention of dividing the same among themselves, as well as all profits they may acquire therewith. The following become the common fund of all the partners:  property which belonged to each of the partners at the time of the constitution of the partnership  profits which they may acquire from all property contributed ii. of all profits (Art. 1780) – comprises all that the partners may acquire by their

327

industry or work during the existence of the partnership Particular partnership – It is one which has for its object, determinate things, their use and fruits, or a specific undertaking or the exercise of a profession or a vocation. (Art. 1783)


CIVIL LAW b.

Notorious or open partnership – It is known not only to the partners, but to the public as well.

line with the business authorized by its charter (Tuason v. Bolaños, G.R. No. L-4935, May 28, 1954). Q: What are the different kinds of partners?

7.

Purpose a. Commercial or trading – One formed for the transaction of business. b. Professional or non-trading – One formed for the exercise of a profession

A: A. Under the Civil Code 1.

Capitalist – Contributes money or property to the common fund 2. Industrial – Contributes only his industry or personal service rd 3. General – One whose liability to 3 persons extends to his separate or personal property rd 4. Limited – One whose liability to 3 persons is limited to his capital contribution 5. Managing – Manages the affairs or business of the partnership; he may be appointed either in the articles of partnership or after the constitution of the partnership. He is also known as general or real partner. 6. Liquidating – Takes charge of the winding up of partnership affairs upon dissolution 7. Partner by estoppel – Is not really a partner but is rd liable as a partner for the protection of innocent 3 persons; he is also known as the partner by implication or nominal partner or a quasi-partner 8. Continuing partner – Continues the business of a partnership after it has been dissolved by reason of the admission of a new partner, retirement, death or expulsion of one of the partners 9. Surviving partner – Remains after a partnership has been dissolved by death of any partner 10. Sub-partner – Is not a member of the partnership; contracts with a partner with reference to the latter's share in the partnership

Q: What are the different kinds of partnership under the Spanish Civil Code? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Sociedad Anonima – similar to anonymous partnership Sociedad Colectiva – general or collective partnership Sociedad de Cuentas en Participacion – joint account partnership Sociedad Mercantile Regular Colectiva – mercantile partnership company Sociedad Leonila – partnership by which the entire profits should belong to some of the partners in exclusion of the rest

Q: Who may be partners? A: GR: Any person capacitated to contract may enter into a contract of partnership. XPNs: 1. Persons who are prohibited from giving each other any donation or advantage cannot enter into a universal partnership. (Art. 1782) Note: A husband and wife, however, may enter into a particular partnership or be members thereof. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010 ed., p. 78)

2. 3.

B. Other Classifications

Persons suffering from civil interdiction Persons who cannot give consent to a contract: a. Minors b. Insane persons c. Deaf-mutes who do not know how to write

11.

12.

Q: What is the principle of delectus personae?

13.

A: This refers to the rule that is inherent in every partnership, that no one can become a member of the partnership association without the consent of all the partners.

14.

Note: Even if a partner will associate another person in his share in the partnership, the associate shall not be admitted into the partnership without the consent of all the partners, even if the partner having an associate should be a manager (Art. 1804).

15. 16.

Q: May a corporation enter into a partnership with another corporation?

17.

A: As a rule, it is illegal for two corporations to enter into a partnership. Nevertheless, a corporation may enter into a joint venture with another if the nature of the venture is in UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

328

Ostensible – Takes active part and known to the public as partner in the business, whether or not he has an actual interest in the firm. Thus, he may be an actual or a nominal partner. Secret – Takes active part in the business but is not known to be a partner by outside parties Silent – Does not take any active part in the business although he may be known to be a partner. If he withdraws from the partnership, he must give notice to those persons who do business with the firm to escape liability in the future Dormant – Does not take active part in the business and is not known or held out as a partner; the term is also synonymous with a “sleeping partner” Original partner-one who is a member of the partnership from the time of its organization Incoming patner- a person lately, or about to be, taken into an existing partnership as a member Retiring partner- one withdrawn from the partnershop; a withdrawing partner

PARTNERSHIP Q: What are the relations created by a contract of partnership?

determinate (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 76).

A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Q: What is particular partnership? Partners-Partners Partners-Partnership Partnership-third persons with whom it contracts Partners-third persons with whom partnership contracts.

A: It is one which has for its object determinate things, their use or fruits, or a specific undertaking, or the exercise of a profession or vocation. (Art. 1783) Note: The fundamental difference between a universal partnership and a particular partnership lies in the scope of their subject matter or object. In the former, the object is vague and indefinite, contemplating a general business with some degree of continuity, while in the latter, it is limited and well-defined, being confined to an undertaking of a single, temporary, or ad hoc nature (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 81).

UNIVERSAL vs. PARTICULAR Q: Distinguish the classes of universal partnership A: ALL PROFITS ALL PRESENT PROPERTY What constitutes common property Only usufruct of All properties actually the properties of belonging to the partners are the partners contributed – they become become common common property property (owned by all of the partners and the partnership) As to profits as common property As to profits from other sources: GR: Aside from the contributed properties, the profits of said property All profits become common property acquired by the industry of the XPN: Profits from other partners become sources may become common common if there is a stipulation to such property effect (whether or not they were As to properties subsequently obtained acquired: through the GR: Properties subsequently usufruct acquired by inheritance, contributed) legacy or donation, cannot be included in the stipulation

Q: Is it required that the business of the partnership be continuing in nature? A: No. It may be inferred from Articles 1761 and 1783 that the carrying on of a business of a continuing nature is not essential to constitute partnership. An agreement to undertake a particular piece of work or a single transaction or a limited number of transactions and immediately divide the resulting profits would seem to fall within the meaning of the term “partnership” as used in the law (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 81). Q: J, P and B formed a limited partnership called Suter Co., with P as the general partner and J and B as limited partners. J and B contributed P18,000 and P20,000 respectively. Later, J and B got married and P sold his share of the partnership to the spouses which was recorded in the SEC. Has the limited partnership been dissolved by reason of the marriage between the limited partners? A: No. The partnership is not a universal but a particular one. As provided by law, a universal partnership requires either that the object of the association must be all present property of the partners as contributed by them to a common fund, or all else that the partners may acquire by their industry or work. Here, the contributions were fixed sums of money and neither one of them were industrial partners. Thus, the firm is not a partnership which the spouses are forbidden to enter into. The subsequent marriage cannot operate to dissolve it because it is not one of the causes provided by law. The capital contributions were owned separately by them before their marriage and shall remain to be separate under the Spanish Civil Code. Their individual interest did not become common property after their marriage. (Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Suter, G.R. No. L-25532, Feb. 28, 1969)

XPN: Only fruits thereof can be included in the stipulation (Art. 1779) Q: If the Articles of Universal Partnership fail to specify whether it is one of all present property or of profits, what shall be its nature? A: Articles of Universal Partnership entered into without specification of its nature only constitutes a universal partnership of profits (Art. 1781), because it imposes lesser obligations on the partners, since they preserve the ownership of their separate property.

GENERAL vs. LIMITED

Q: May future properties be contributed?

Q: What is general partnership?

A: As a general rule, future properties cannot be contributed. The very essence of the contract of partnership that the properties contributed be included in the partnership requires the contribution of things

A: One where all partners are general partners who are liable even with respect to their individual properties, after the assets of the partnership have been exhausted (Paras,

329


CIVIL LAW Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, Volume 5, p. 411, th 1969 6 ed) Q: Who is a general partner? A: One whose liability to third persons extends to his separate property; he may be either a capitalist or an industrial partner. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, p. 77, 2005 ed) He is also known as real partner.

Q: What are the distinctions between a general and a limited partner/partnership? GENERAL

LIMITED Extent of Liability Personally liable for partnership obligations Liability extends only to his capital contributions Right in Management When manner of management has not agreed upon, all general partners have an equal right in the No participation in management management of the business Contribution Contribute money, property or industry Contribute cash or property only, not services If Proper Party to Proceedings By or Against Partnership Not proper party to proceedings by/against partnership, unless: 1. He is also a general partner; or Proper party to proceedings by/against partnership 2. Where the object of the proceeding is to enforce a limited partner’s right or liability to the partnership Assignment of Interest Interest is not assignable without consent of other Interest is freely assignable partners Firm Name It must also operate under a firm name, followed by the word “Limited.” GR: The surname of a limited partner shall not appear in the partnership name. It must operate under a firm name, which may or may not include the name of one or more of the partners. Note: Those, who, not being members of the partnership, include their names in the firm name, shall be subject to the liability of a partner. (Art. 1815)

XPNs: 1. It is also the surname of a general partner; 2. Prior to the time when the limited partner became such, the business had been carried on under a name in which his surname appeared. Note: A limited partner whose surname appears in a partnership name is liable as a general partner to partnership creditors who extend credit to the partnership without actual knowledge that he is not a general partner. (Art. 1846)

Prohibition to Engage in Other Business The capitalist partner cannot engage for their own account in any operation which is of the kind of business in which the partnership is engaged, unless there is a stipulation to the contrary No prohibition against engaging in business If he is an industrial partner- in any business for himself.


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PARTNERSHIP Effect of Death, Insolvency, Retirement, Insanity Retirement, death, insolvency, insanity of general Does not have same effect; rights are transferred to partner dissolves partnership legal representative Creation Created by the members after substantial As a rule, it maybe constituted in any form, by compliance in good faith of the requirements set contract or conduct of the parties forth by law Composition / Membership Composed of at least one general partner and one Composed only of general partners limited partner.

PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIP

MANAGEMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP

Q: What is a professional partnership?

Q: What are the modes of appointment of a manager?

A: It is a partnership formed by persons for the sole purpose of exercising their common profession, no part of the income of which is derived from engaging in any trade or business.

A: Appointment through the Articles of Partnership Power is irrevocable without just or lawful cause

Q: In a professional partnership, who is deemed engaged in the practice of profession?

Appointment Other Than in the Articles

Note: Vote required for removal of manager

1.

A: It is the individual partners and not the partnership. Thus, they are responsible for their own acts.

Power to act is revocable For just cause – Vote anytime, with or without of the controlling cause (should be done by partners (controlling the controlling interest) financial interest) Without cause or for unjust cause – Unanimous vote Extent of Power If he acts in good faith, he may do all acts of As long as he is a manager, administration he can perform all acts of (despite opposition of administration (if others his partners) oppose, he can be removed) If he acts in bad faith, he cannot

Q: What is prohibited in the formation of a professional partnership?

2.

A: Partnership between lawyers and members of other profession or non-professional persons should not be formed or permitted where any part of the partnership’s employment consists of the practice of law (Canons of Professional Ethics).

1.

Q: What are the characteristics of a partnership for the practice of law?

2.

A: 1.

Q: What is the scope of the power of a managing partner?

2.

3. 4.

A duty of public service, of which the emolument is a by-product; A relation as an “officer of court” to the administration of justice involving thorough sincerity, integrity, and reliability; A relation to clients in the highest fiduciary degree; A relationship to colleagues at the bar characterized by candor, fairness, and unwillingness to resort to current business methods of advertising and encroachment on their practice, or dealing with their clients (In the Matter of Petition for Authority to Continue Use of Firm Name “Sycip, Salazar, etc.” / “Ozaeta Romulo, etc.,” 92 SCRA 1 [1979], citing H.S. Drinker, Legal Ethics [1953], pp4-5.)

A: As a general rule, a partner appointed as manager has all the powers of a general agent as well as all the incidental powers necessary to carry out the object of the partnership in the transaction of its business. The exception is when the powers of the manager are specifically restricted (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 119). Note: A managing partner may not bind the partnership by a contract wholly foreign to its business.

Q: What is the rule where there are two or more managers?

Q: What is prohibited in the firm name of a partnership for the practice of law?

A: Without specification of their respective duties and without stipulation requiring unanimity of action GR: Each may separately execute all acts of administration (unlimited power to administer)

A: In the selection and use of firm name, no false, misleading, assumed, or trade names should be used (Canons of Professional Ethics)

XPN: If any of the managers opposes, decision of the

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CIVIL LAW majority prevails

intervened claiming entitlement to the proceeds from Travellers. Who is entitled to the proceeds of the policy?

Note: In case of tie – Decision of the controlling interest (who are also managers) shall prevail

A: Tai Toing is entitled to the insurance proceeds. Arsenio contracted the insurance policy on behalf of Tai Tong. As the managing partner of the partnership, he may execute all acts of administration including the right to sue debtors of the partnership in case of their failure to pay their obligations when it became due and demandable. Or at the very least, Arsenio is an agent of the partnership. Being an agent, it is understood that he acted for and in behalf of the firm. (Tai Tong Chuache & Co. v. Insurance Commissioner, G.R. No. L-55397, Feb. 29, 1988)

With stipulation that none of the managing partners shall act without the consent of the others GR: Unanimous consent of all the managing partners shall be necessary for the validity of the acts and absence or inability of any managing partner cannot be alleged. XPN: Where there is an imminent danger of grave or irreparable injury to the partnership.

Note: If refusal of partner is manifestly prejudicial to the interest of partnership, court’s intervention may be sought.

Q: What is the rule when the manner of management has not been agreed upon?

COMPENSATION A: 1.

Q: Are partners entitled to compensation?

All partners shall be considered agents and whatever any one of them may do alone shall bind the partnership, without prejudice to the provisions of Art. 1801. This right is not dependent on the amount or size of the partner’s capital contribution or services to the business.

A: GR: In the absence of an agreement to the contrary, each member of the partner assumes the duty to give his time, attention, and skill to the management of its affairs, so far, at least, as may be reasonably necessary to the success of the common enterprise; and for this service a share of the profits is his only compensation.

Note: If two or more partners have been entrusted with the management of the partnership without specification of their respective duties, or without a stipulation that one of them shall not act without the consent of all the others, each one may separately execute all acts of administration, but if any of them should oppose the acts of the others, the decision of the majority shall prevail. In case of a tie, the matter shall be decided by the partners owning the controlling interest (Art. 1801, Civil Code).

2.

XPNS: 1. A partner engaged by his co-partners to perform services not required of him in fulfillment of the duties which the partnership relation imposes and in a capacity other than that of a partner 2. A contract for compensation may be implied if there is extraordinary neglect on the part of one partner to perform his duties toward the firm’s business, thereby imposing the entire burden on the remaining partner

None of the partners may, without the consent of the others, make any important alteration in the immovable property of the partnership. (Art. 1803)

Q: What is the rule in case where unanimity of action is stipulated?

3. One partner may employ his co-partner to do work for him outside of and independent of the co-partnership, and become personally liable therefor

A: The partners may stipulate that none of the managing partners shall act without the consent of the others.

4. Where the services rendered are extra-ordinary 5. Where one partner is entrusted with the management of the partnership business and devotes his whole time and attention thereto, at the instance of the other partners who are attending to their individual business and giving no time or attention to the business of the firm (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 121).

GR: In such a case, the unanimous consent of all the managing partners shall be necessary for the validity of their acts. XPN: Imminent danger of grave or irreparable injury for the partnership, in which case, a partner may act alone without the consent of the partner who is absent or under disability, without prejudice to his liability for damages.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF PARTNERSHIP Q: Azucena and Pedro acquired a parcel of land and a building. Azucena obtained a loan from Tai Tong Co., secured by a mortgage which was executed over the land and building. Arsenio, representative of Tai Tong, insured it with Travellers Multi Indemnity Corporation. The building and the contents thereof were razed by fire. Travellers failed to pay the insurance. Hence, Azucena and Pedro filed a case against Travellers wherein Tai Tong UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Q: What are the relations created by a contract of partnership? A: A contract of partnership gives rise to at least four distinct juridical relations, namely: 1. Relations among the partners themselves

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PARTNERSHIP 2. Relations of the partners with the partnership 3. Relations of the partnership with third persons with whom it contracts 4. Relations of the partners with such third persons (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 88). Q: What are the responsibilities of a partnership to partners?

2.

3.

Q: Can the money or property contributed by a partner be withdrawn or disposed of by the contributing partner without the consent or approval of the partnership or of the other partners? A: No, the money or property contributed by a partner becomes the property of the partnership (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 92).

Q: What are the obligations of partners among themselves? A: 1. 2.

Q: Is a partner who fails to perform the personal services which he has stipulated to render to the partnership, liable to the other partners for the value of the services?

Contribution of property (Art. 1786) Contribution of money and money converted to personal use (Art. 1788) 3. Prohibition in engaging in business for himself (Art. 1789) 4. Contribute additional capital (Art. 1791) 5. Managing partner who collects debt (Art. 1792) 6. Partner who receives share of partnership credit (Art. 1793) 7. Damages to partnership (Art. 1794) 8. Keep the partnership books (Art. 1805) 9. Render information (Art. 1806) 10. Accountable as fiduciary (Art. 1807)

A: Unless there is a special agreement to that effect, the partners are not entitled to charge each other, or the partnership of which they are members, for their services in the firm business. The doctrine seems to be that every partner is bound to work to the extent of his ability for the benefit of the whole, without regard to the services of his copartners, however unequal in value or amount, and to require a partner to account for the value of his services would be, in effect, allowing compensation to the other members of the partnership for the services they rendered.

Q: What are the obligations of partners with respect to contribution of property?

Q: Who bears the risk of loss of things contributed? A:

A: To CAFPI 1. Contribute at the beginning of the partnership, or at the stipulated time, the money, property or industry which he may have promised to contribute;

3.

Answer to the partnership for the Fruits of the property the contribution of which he delayed, from the date they should have been contributed up to the time of actual delivery

Indemnify the partnership for any damage caused to it by the retention of the same or by the delay in its contribution

Note: The obligation of warranty in case of eviction is in consequence of the character of the contract of partnership which is onerous contract (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 93)

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF PARTNERS AMONG THEMSELVES

Answer for eviction in case the partnership is deprived of the determinate property contributed

5.

A: Under the law on sales, eviction shall take place whenever by a final judgment based on a right prior to the sale or an act imputable to the vendor, the vendee is deprived of the whole or a part of the thing purchased.

Refund the amounts disbursed by partner in behalf of the partnership plus corresponding interest from the time the expenses are made, not from the date of demand. (e.g. loans and advances made by a partner to the partnership aside from capital contribution); Answer for obligations the partner may have contracted in good faith in the interest of the partnership business; Answer for risks in consequence of its management (Art. 1796)

2.

Preserve said property with the diligence of a good father of a family, pending delivery to the partnership

Q: What is “eviction”?

A: 1.

4.

KIND OF PROPERTY / THING

WHO BEARS THE RISK?

Specific and determinate things which are not fungible where only the use is contributed

partners

Specific and determinate things the ownership of which is transferred to the partnership Fungible things (Consumable)

partnership

Things brought and appraised in the inventory

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CIVIL LAW Q: What is the effect if a partner fails to contribute the property which he promised to deliver to the partnership?

Q: What are the requisites before capitalist partners are compelled to contribute additional capital?

A: 1.

A: 1. 2.

2.

Partner become ipso jure a debtor of the partnership even in the absence of any demand (Art. 1786) Remedy of the other partner is not rescission but specific performance with damages and interest from defaulting partner from the time he should have complied with his obligation.

3. 4.

Imminent loss of the business of the partnership; Majority of the capitalist partners are of the opinion that an additional contribution to the common fund would save the business; Capitalist partner refuses deliberately to contribute (not due to financial inability); There is no agreement to the contrary.

Note: When the capital or a part hereof which a partner is bound to contribute consists of goods, their appraisal must be made in the manner prescribed in the contract of partnership, and in the absence of stipulation, it shall be made by experts chosen by the partners, and according to current prices, the subsequent changes therof being for the account of the partnership. (Art. 1787)

Note: The refusal of the partner to contribute his additional share reflects his lack of interest in the continuance of the partnership. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010 ed. p. 101)

Q: What are the rules regarding contribution of money to the partnership?

It is to be noted that the industrial partner is exempted from the requirement to contribute an additional share. Having contributed his entire industry, he can do nothing further (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 101).

A: To CRIP 1. Contribute on the date fixed the amount the partner has undertaken to contribute to the partnership; 2. Reimburse any amount the partner may have taken from the partnership coffers and converted to his own use; 3. Indemnify the partnership for the damages caused to it by delay in the contribution or conversion of any sum for the partner’s personal benefit; 4. Pay the agreed or legal interest, if the partner fails to pay his contribution on time or in case he takes any amount from the common fund and converts it to his own use.

Q: What are the obligations of managing partners who collect his personal receivable from a person who also owes the partnership? A: 1. 2.

Requisites: 1. At least 2 debts, one where the collecting partner is creditor and the other, where the partnership is the creditor 2. Both debts are demandable 3. Partner who collects is authorized to manage and actually manages the partnership

Q: What is the rule regarding obligation to contribute to partnership capital?

Note: The debtor is given the right to prefer payment of the credit of the partner if it should be more onerous to him in accordance with his right to application of payment (Art. 1252; De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010 ed. p. 103)

A: Unless there is a stipulation to the contrary, the partners shall contribute equal shares to the capital of the partnership (Art 1790). It is not applicable to an industrial partner unless, besides his services, he has contributed capital pursuant to an agreement.

Q: What is the reason for applying payment to partnership credit?

Q: Is the capitalist partner required to contribute additional capital?

A: The law safeguards the interests of the partnership by preventing the possibility of their being subordinated by the managing partner to his own interest to the prejudice of the other partners (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010 ed. p. 102)

A: GR: A capitalist partner is not bound to contribute to the partnership more than what he agreed to contribute. XPN: 1. in case of imminent loss of the business 2. there is no agreement to the contrary.

Q: What is the obligation of a partner who receives share of partnership credit?

He is under obligation to contribute an additional share to save the venture. If he refuses to contribute, he shall be obliged to sell his interest to the other partners.


Apply sum collected to 2 credits in proportion to their amounts If he received it for the account of partnership, the whole sum shall be applied to partnership credit

A: To bring to the partnership capital what he has received even though he may have given receipt for his share only.

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PARTNERSHIP Requisites: 1. A partner has received in whole or in part, his share of the partnership credit 2. Other partners have not collected their shares 3. Partnership debtor has become insolvent

A: GR: Every partner is responsible to the partnership for damages suffered by it through his fault and he cannot compensate them with the profits and benefits which he may have earned for the partnership by his industry.

Q: May a person who has not directly transacted in behalf of an unincorporated association be held liable for a contract entered into by such association?

XPN: The courts may equitably lessen this responsibility if through the partner’s extraordinary efforts in other activities of the partnership, unusual profit has been realized. (Art. 1794)

A: Yes. The liability for a contract entered into on behalf of an unincorporated association or ostensible corporation may lie in a person who may not have directly transacted on its behalf, but reaped benefits from that contract (Lim Tong Lim v. Philippine Fishing Gear Industries Inc., G.R. No. 136448, Nov. 3, 1999)

Q: Can damages be subject to set-off? A: GR: The damages caused by a partner to the partnership cannot be offset by the profits of benefits which he may have earned for the partnership by his industry.

Q: What are the rules regarding the prohibition to engage in another business?

Ratio: The partner has the obligation to secure benefits for the partnership. Hence, the profits which he may have earned pertain as a matter of law or right, to the partnership

A: INDUSTRIAL PARTNER CAPITALIST PARTNER Prohibition Relative: Cannot Absolute: Cannot engage in business engage in business for (with same kind of himself unless the business with the partnership expressly partnership) for his permits him to do so own account, unless there is a stipulation to the contrary Remedy Capitalist partner, who Capitalist partners may: violated shall: 1. Exclude him from 1. Bring to the the firm common fund any 2. Avail themselves of profits accruing to the benefits which him from said he may have transaction; and obtained 2. Personally bears 3. Damages, in either all losses (Art. case (Art. 1789) 1808)

XPN: If unusual profits are realized through the extraordinary efforts of the partner at fault, the courts may equitably mitigate or lessen his liability for damages. This rule rests on equity. Note that even in this case, the partner at fault is not allowed to compensate such damages with the profi ts earned. The law does not specify as to when profi ts may be considered “unusual.” The question depends upon the circumstances of the particular case. Q: What is the duty of the partners with respect to keeping the partnership books? A: The partnership books shall be kept, subject to any agreement between partners, at the principal place of business of the partnership. (Art. 1805) Q: To whom does the duty to keep partnership belong? A: The duty to keep true and correct books showing the firm’s accounts, such books being at all times open to inspection of all members of the firm, primarily rests on the managing or active partner (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 131).

Q: Joe and Rudy formed a partnership to operate a car repair shop in Quezon City. Joe provided the capital while Rudy contributed his labor and industry. On one side of their shop, Joe opened and operated a coffee shop, while on the other side, Rudy put up a car accessories store. May they engage in such separate businesses? Why? (2001 Bar Question)

Q: What is the duty of the partners with respect to information affecting the partnership? A: Partners shall render on demand true and full information of all things affecting the partnership to: 1. any partner; or 2. legal representative of any deceased or any partner under legal disability. (Art. 1806)

A: Joe, the capitalist partner, may engage in the restaurant business because it is not the same kind of business the partnership is engaged in. On the other hand, Rudy may not engage in any other business unless their partnership expressly permits him to do so because as an industrial partner he has to devote his full time to the business of the partnership (Art. 1789).

Note: Under the same principle of mutual trust and confidence among partners, there must be no concealment between them in all matters affecting the partnership. The information, to be sure, must be used only for a partnership purpose (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 134).

Q: What is the rule with regard to the obligation of a partner as to damages suffered by the partnership through his fault?

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CIVIL LAW Q: How are partners accountable to each other as fiduciary?

formal accounting even before dissolution of the partnership cannot be doubted. An example under No. (4) of Article 1809 is where a partner has been assigned abroad for a long period of time in connection with the partnership business and the partnership books during such period being in the possession of the other partners.

A: Every partner must account to the partnership for any benefit, and hold as trustee for it any profits derived by him without the consent of the other partners from any transaction connected with the formation, conduct, or liquidation of the partnership or from any use by him of its property. (Art. 1807)

Q: Describe the partners’ inspection rights. A: The partners’ inspection rights are not absolute. He can be restrained from using the information gathered for other than partnership purpose.

Q: Does this duty terminate upon the dissolution of the partnership? A: The duty of a partner to act with utmost good faith towards his copartners continues throughout the entire life of the partnership even after dissolution for whatever reason or whatever means, until the relationship is terminated, i.e., the winding up of partnership affairs is completed (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 134).

Q: What does the phrase “any reasonable hour” mean? A: Article 1805 declares that the rights of the partners with respect to partnership books can be exercised at “any reasonable hour.” This phrase has been interpreted to mean reasonable hours on business days throughout the year and not merely during some arbitrary period of a few days chosen by the managing partners (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 132).

RIGHTS OF PARTNERS Q: What are the rights of partners among themselves?

Q: Describe the nature of action for accounting A: 1.

2. 3.

Right to reimbursement for amounts advanced to the partnership and to indemnification for risks in consequence of management (Art. 1796); Right on the distribution of profits and losses (Art. 1797) Right to associate another person with him in his share without the consent of the other partners. (Art. 1804)

A: An action for accounting, asking that the assets of the partnership be accounted for, sold and distributed according to the agreement of the partners is a personal action which under the Rules of Court, may be commenced and tried where the defendent resides or may be found or where the plaintiffs reside, at the election of the latter. Note: The fact that the some of the assets of the partnership are real property does not materially change the nature of the action. It is an action in personam because it is an action against a person for the performance of a personal duty on his part, and not an action in rem where the action is against the thing itself. It is only incidental that part of the assets of the partnership subject to accounting or under liquidation happen to be real property (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 143).

Note: Such partnership formed between a member of a partnership and a third person for a division of the profits coming to him from the partnership enterprise is termed subpartnership. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010 ed. p. 129-130)

4. 5.

5. 6.

Right to free access and to inspect and copy at any reasonable hour the partnership books. (Art. 1805) Right to formal account as to partnership affairs: a. If he is wrongfully excluded from the partnership business or possession of its property by his copartners; b. If the right exist under the terms of any agreement; c. As provided by Art. 1807; d. Whenever there are circumstances render it just and reasonable. Right to have the partnership dissolved. Property rights of a partner (Art. 1810)

Q: What are the rules regarding distribution of profits and losses? A: 1.

Q: Is a partner entitled to formal account during the existence of the partnership?

Note: If the industrial partner has contributed capital other than his services, he shall also receive a share in the profits in proportion to his capital.

A: GR: During the existence of the partnership, a partner is not entitled to a formal account of partnership affairs. 2.

XPNs: However, in the special and unusual situations enumerated under Article 1809, the justifi cation for a


Distribution of profits a. The partners share in the profits according to their agreement b. In the absence of such: i. Capitalist partner – in proportion to his contribution ii. Industrial partner – what is just and equitable under the circumstances

336

Distribution of losses a. The partners share in the losses according to their agreement

PARTNERSHIP b. c.

In the absence of such, according to their agreement as to profits In the absence of profit agreement, in proportion to his capital contribution

Such assignment does not grant the assignee the right to: a. To interfere in the management b. To require any information or account c. To inspect partnership books

Q: What is the rule regarding a stipulation which excludes a partner in the sharing of profits and losses?

2.

A: GR: Stipulation is void. XPN: Industrial partner is not liable for losses [Art. 1797(2)]. However, he is not exempted from liability insofar as third persons are concerned. Note: Loss is different from liability Q: What are the property rights of a partner? A: SIM 1. 2. 3.

Q: Rosa received from Jois money, with the express obligation to act as Jois’ agent in purchasing local cigarettes, to resell them to several stores, and to give Jois the commission corresponding to the profits received. However, Rosa misappropriated and converted the said amount due to Jois to her personal use and benefit. Jois filed a case of estafa against Rosa. Can Rosa deny liability on the ground that a partnership was formed between her and Rosa?

Right in Specific partnership property Interest in the partnership (share in the profits and surplus) Right to participate in the Management

Q: What are the related rights? A: 1. right to the partnership and to indemnification for risks in consequence of management (Art. 1796.);

A: No. Even assuming that a contract of partnership was indeed entered into by and between the parties, when a partner receives any money or property for a specific purpose (such as that obtaining in the instant case) and he later misappropriates the same, he is guilty of estafa. (Liwanag v. CA, G.R. No. 114398, Oct. 24, 1997)

2. the right of access and inspection of partnership books (Art. 1805.); 3. the right to true and full information of all things affecting the partnership (Art. 1806.);

OBLIGATIONS OF PARTNERSHIP/PARTNERS TO THIRD PERSONS

4. the right to a formal account of partnership affairs under certain circumstances (Art. 1809.); and

Q: What are the obligations of partners with regard to 3 persons?

5. the right to have the partnership dissolved also under certain conditions (Arts. 1830-1831) (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 148).

A: 1.

Q: What is the nature of a partner's right in specific partnership property? 2. A: 1. 2.

3. 4. 5.

Equal right to possession for partnership purposes Right is not assignable, except in connection with assignment of rights of all partners in the same property Right is limited to his share of what remains after partnership debts have been paid Right is not subject to attachment or execution except on a claim against the partnership Right is not subject to legal support

rd

Every partnership shall operate under a firm name. Persons who include their names in the partnership name even if they are not members shall be liable as a partner (Art. 1815) All partners shall be liable for contractual obligations of the partnership with their property, after all partnership assets have been exhausted: a. Pro rata b. Subsidiary(Art. 1816) Note: Any stipulation against the liability laid down in Art. 1816 shall be void except as among the partners. (Art. 1817)

3. 4.

Q: What are the effects of assignment of partner’s whole interest in the partnership? A: 1.

Rights of assignee on partner’s interest: a. To receive in accordance with his contract the profits accruing to the assigning partner b. To avail himself of the usual remedies provided by law in the event of fraud in the management c. To receive the assignor’s interest in case of dissolution d. To require an account of partnership affairs, but only in case the partnership is dissolved, and such account shall cover the period from the date only of the last account agreed to by all the partners

5.

Rights withheld from the assignee:

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Partner as an agent of the partnership (Art. 1818) Conveyance of real property belonging to the partnership (Art. 1819) Admission or representation made by any partner concerning partnership affairs within the scope of his authority is evidence against the partnership (Art. 1820)


CIVIL LAW 6.

7.

8.

9.

Notice to partner of any matter relating to partnership affairs operates as notice to partnership except in case of fraud: a. Knowledge of partner acting in the particular matter acquired while a partner b. Knowledge of the partner acting in the particular matter then present to his mind c. Knowledge of any other partner who reasonably could and should have communicated it to the acting partner (Art. 1821) rd Partners and the partnership are solidarily liable to 3 persons for the partner's tort or breach of trust (Art. 1822-24) Liability of incoming partner is limited to: a. His share in the partnership property for existing obligations b. His separate property for subsequent obligations (Art. 1826) Creditors of partnership are preferred in partnership property & may attach partner's share in partnership assets (Art. 1827)

Q: What are the remedies available to the creditors of a partner? A: 1. 2.

Note: On solidary liability, Art. 1816 should be construed together with Art. 1824 (in connection with Arts. 1822 and 1823). While the liability of the partners is merely joint in transactions entered into by the partnership, a third person who transacted with said partnership may hold the partners solidarily liable for the whole obligation if the case of the third person falls under Articles 1822 and 1823 (Munasque v. CA, G.R. No. L-39780, Nov. 11, 1985).

Q: What is the importance of having a firm name? A: A partnership must have a firm name under which it will operate. It is necessary to distinguish the partnership which has a distinct and separate juridical personality from the individuals composing the partnership and from other partnerships and entities (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 166). Note: The partners enjoy the utmost freedom in the selection of the partnership name. As a general rule, they may adopt any firm name desired. The firm name of a partnership may be that of an individual partner, the surnames of all the partners, or the surname of one or more of the members with the addition of “and Company,” or it may consist of individual names wholly distinct from the names of any of the members, or it may be a name purely fanciful or fictitious. But whatever the firm name may be, the signature of the firm name is, in law, the signature of the several partners’ name.

Q: Discuss the liability for the inclusion of name in the first name A: Persons who, not being partners, include their names in thefirm name do not acquire the rights of a partner but under Article 1815, they shall be subject to the liability of a partner (Art. 1816) insofar as third persons without notice are concerned (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 169).


338

Separate or individual creditors should first secure a judgment on their credit; and Apply to the proper court for a charging order subjecting the interest of the debtor-partner in the partnership for the payment of the unsatisfied amount of the judgment debt with interest thereon.

PARTNERSHIP Q: What are the effects of the acts of partners acting as an agent of the partnership? A: ACTS OF A PARTNER

Acts for apparently carrying on in the usual way the business of the partnership

Acts not in the ordinary course of business 1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7.

Acts of strict dominion or ownership: Assigning partnership property in trust for creditors ; Disposing of goodwill of business; Doing an act which would make it impossible to carry on the ordinary business of partnership; Confessing a judgment; Entering into a compromise concerning a partnership claim or liability; Submitting partnership claim or liability to arbitration; Renouncing claim of partnership

EFFECT With binding effect except: 1. When the partner so acting has in fact no authority to act for the partnership in the particular matter, and 2. The person with whom he is dealing has knowledge of the fact that he has no such authority. (par.1, Art. 1818) Do not bind partnership unless authorized by other partners (par. 2, Art. 1818)

GR: One or more but less than all the partners have no authority

1. 2.

XPNs: authorized by the other partners; or partners have abandoned the business (par. 3, Art. 1818)

Partnership is not liable to 3rd persons having actual or presumptive knowledge of the restriction (par. 4, Art. 1818)

Acts in contravention of a restriction on authority

Q: What is the effect of conveyance of a real property? A: TYPE OF CONVEYANCE

EFFECT Conveyance passes title but partnership can recover unless: 1. a. b.

Title in the partnership’s name; Conveyance in partnership name

Title in the partnership’s name; Conveyance in partner's name

Title in the name of 1 or more partners, and the record does not disclose the right of the partnership; Conveyance in name of partner/s in whose name title stands

Conveyance was done in the usual way of business, and The partner so acting has the authority to act for the partnership; or 2. The property which has been conveyed by the grantee or a person claiming through such grantee to a holder for value without knowledge that the partner, in making the conveyance, has exceeded his authority Conveyance does not pass title but only equitable interest, provided: 1. Conveyance was done in the usual way of business, or 2. The partner so acting has the authority to act for the partnership Conveyance passes title but the partnership may recover such property if the partners’ act does not bind the partnership: 1. The partner so acting has no authority to act for the partnership, and 2. The person with whom he is dealing has knowledge of the fact unless the purchaser of his assignee, is a holder for value, without knowledge

rd

Title in name of 1 or more or all partners or 3 person in trust for partnership; Conveyance executed in partnership name or in name of partners Title in the names of all the partners; Conveyance executed by all the partners

1. 2.

Conveyance will only pass equitable interest, provided: The act is one within the authority of the partner, and Conveyance was done in the usual way of the business Conveyance will pass all the rights in such property

339


CIVIL LAW PARTNERSHIP BY ESTOPPEL

by any partner while it is in the custody of the partnership.

Q: Who is a partner by estoppel? Note: Partners are solidarily liable with the partnership for any penalty or damage arising from a partnership tort.

A: One who, by words or conduct does any of the following: 1. Directly represents himself to anyone as a partner in an existing partnership or in a non-existing partnership 2. Indirectly represents himself by consenting to another representing him as a partner in an existing partnership or in a non-existing partnership

DISSOLUTION Q: Distinguish dissolution, winding up and termination. Dissolution A change in the relation of the partners caused by any partner ceasing to be associated in carrying on the business. It is that point in time when the partners cease to carry on the business together. It represents the demise of a partnership. Thus, any time a partner leaves the business, the partnership is dissolved.

Q: What are the elements before a partner can be held liable on the ground of estoppel? A: 1.

2. 3.

Defendant represented himself as partner or is represented by others as such, and did not deny/refute such representation. Plaintiff relied on such representation. Statement of defendant is not refuted.

Q: What are the liabilities in case of estoppel? A: When Partnership is Liable If all actual partners consented to the representation, then the liability of the person who represented himself to be a partner or who consented to such representation and the actual partner is considered a partnership liability When Liability is PRO RATA When there is no existing partnership and all those represented as partners consented to the representation, then the liability of the person who represented himself to be a partner and all who made and consented to such representation, is joint or prorata

Settling the partnership business or affairs after dissolution

It is the final step after dissolution in the termination of the partnership.

Termination Point in time when all partnership affairs are wound up or completed; the end of the partnership life

It signifies the end of the partnership life. It takes place after both dissolution and winding up have occurred.

Q: What are the causes of dissolution? A: 1.

When Liability is SEPARATE When there is no existing partnership and not all but only some of those represented as partners consented to the representation, or none of the partnership in an existing partnership consented to such representation, then the liability will be separate Q: When is there a partnership tort? A: Where: 1. by any wrongful act or omission of any partner, acting in the ordinary course of business of the partnership or with authority of his co-partners, loss or injury is caused to any person, not being a partner in the partnership; 2. one partner, acting within the scope of his apparent authority, receives money or property from a third person, and misapplies it; or 3. the partnership, in the course of its business, receives money or property, and it is misapplied


Winding up

2. 3. 4.

340

Without violating the agreement: a. Termination of the definite term or specific undertaking b. Express will of any partner in good faith, when there is no definite term and no specified undertaking c. Express will of all partners (except those who have assigned their interests or suffered them to be charged for their separate debts) either before or after the termination of any specified term or particular undertaking d. Expulsion of any partner in good faith of a member Violating the agreement Unlawfulness of the business Loss a. Specific thing promised as contribution is lost or perished before delivery b. Loss of a specific thing contributed before or after delivery, if only the use of such is contributed

PARTNERSHIP Note: The partnership shall not be dissolved by the loss of the thing when it occurs after the partnership has acquired the ownership thereof.

5. 6. 7. 8.

completing transactions begun but not then finished (Art. 1832). Note: Subject to the qualifications set forth in Articles 1833 and 1834 in relation to Article 1832: 1. In so far as the partners themselves are concerned – The authority of any partner to bind the partnership by a new contract is immediately terminated when the dissolution is not by the Act, Insolvency, or Death of a partner (AID). 2. When the dissolution is by the act, insolvency, or death, the termination of authority depends upon whether or not the partner had knowledge or notice of dissolution (Art. 1833).

Death of any of the partners Insolvency of any partner or of the partnership Civil interdiction of any partner By decree of court under Art. 1831 a. a partner has been declared insane or of unsound mind b. a partner becomes in any other way incapable of performing his part of the partnership contract c. a partner has been guilty of such conduct as tends to affect prejudicially the carrying on of the business d. a partner willfully or persistently commits a breach of the partnership agreement e. the business of the partnership can only be carried on at a loss f. other circumstances render a dissolution equitable

Q: The articles of co-partnership provide that in case of death of one partner, the partnership shall not be dissolved but shall be continued by the deceased partner’s heirs. When H, a partner, died, his wife, W, took over the management of some of the real properties with permission of the surviving partner, X, but her name was not included in the partnership name. She eventually sold these real properties after a few years. X now claims that W did not have the authority to manage and sell those properties as she was not a partner. Is the sale valid?

Q: What are the effects of dissolution? A: 1. 2. 3.

Partnership is not terminated Partnership continues for a limited purpose Transaction of new business is prohibited (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, p. 229, 2005 ed)

A: Yes. The widow was not a mere agent, because she had become a partner upon her husband's death, as expressly provided by the articles of co-partnership, and by authorizing the widow to manage partnership property X recognized her as a general partner with authority to administer and alienate partnership property. It is immaterial that W's name was not included in the firm name, since no conversion of status is involved, and the articles of co-partnership expressly contemplated the admission of the partner's heirs into the partnership. (Goquiolay v. Sycip, G.R. No. L-11840, Dec. 16, 1963)

Note: The dissolution of a partnership must not be understood in the absolute and strict sense so that at the termination of the object for which it was created the partnership is extinguished, pending the winding up of some incidents and obligations of the partnership, but in such case, the partnership will be reputed as existing until the juridical relations arising out of the contract are dissolved (Testate of Motta v. Serra, G.R. No. L-22825, Feb. 14, 1925).

Q: What is the liability of a partner where the dissolution is caused by the act, death or insolvency of a partner?

Dissolution does not automatically result in the termination of the legal personality of the partnership, nor the relations of the partners among themselves who remain as co-partners until the partnership is terminated (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, p. 29, 2005 ed).

A: GR: Each partner is liable to his co-partners for his share, of any liability created by any partner for the partnership, as if the partnership had not been dissolved. XPNs: Partners shall not be liable when: 1. the dissolution, being by act of any partner, the partner acting for the partnership had knowledge of the dissolution; or 2. the dissolution, being by the death or insolvency of a partner, the partner acting for the partnership had knowledge or notice of the death or insolvency (Art. 1833)

Q: Can a partner be expelled from the partnership? A: In the absence of an express agreement to that effect, there exists no right or power of any member, or even a majority of the members, to expel all other members of the firm at will. Nor can they at will forfeit the share or interest of a member or members and compel him or them to quit the fi rm, even paying what is due him (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 227).

Q: After the dissolution of a partnership, can a partner still bind the partnership?

Q: What is the effect of dissolution on the authority of a partner?

A: GR: Yes. A partner continues to bind partnership even after dissolution in the following cases: 1. Transactions to wind up partnership affairs or to complete transactions unfinished at dissolution; 2. Transactions which would bind partnership if dissolution had not taken place, provided the other party/obligee:

A: GR: The partnership ceases to be a going concern XPN: The partner’s power of representation is confined only to acts incident to winding up or

341


CIVIL LAW a.

b.

Had extended credit to partnership prior to dissolution; AND Had no knowledge/notice of dissolution; or Did not extend credit to partnership; Had known partnership prior to dissolution; AND Had no knowledge/notice of dissolution/fact of dissolution not advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in the place where partnership is regularly carried on.

1.

2.

3. 4.

XPNs: Partner cannot bind the partnership anymore after dissolution where dissolution is due to unlawfulness to carry on business.

5. 6.

XPN to XPN: Winding up of partnership affairs 1. Partner has become insolvent 2. Act is not appropriate for winding up or for completing unfinished transactions 3. Completely new transactions which would bind the partnership if dissolution had not taken place with third persons in bad faith. 4. Partner is unauthorized to wind up partnership affairs, except by transaction with one who: a. Had extended credit to partnership prior to dissolution; AND Had no knowledge or notice of dissolution; or b. Did not extend credit to partnership prior to dissolution; Had known partnership prior to dissolution; AND Had no knowledge/notice of dissolution/fact of dissolution not advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in the place where partnership is regularly carried on.

Note: Subject to any statement in the certificate or to subsequent agreement, limited partners share in the partnership assets in respect to their claims for capital, and in respect to their claims for profits or for compensation by way of income on their contribution respectively, in proportion to the respective amounts of such claims.

WINDING UP Q: What takes place during the winding up of the partnership? A: It is during this time after dissolution that partnership business or affairs are being settled. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, p. 229, 2005 ed) Q: What are the ways of winding up? A: The winding up of the dissolved partnership may be done either:

Q: Does the dissolution of a partnership discharge existing liability of a partner?

1. Judicially, under the control and direction of the proper court upon cause shown by any partner, his legal representative, or his assignee; or 2. Extrajudicially, by the partners themselves without intervention of the court (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 247).

A: GR: No. XPN: Said liability is discharged when there is an agreement between: 1. Partner himself; 2. Person/s continuing the business; and 3. Partnership creditors

Q: What is the nature of the action for liquidation?

Q: Discuss the liability of the estate of a deceased partner

A: An action for the liquidation of a partnership is a personal one; hence, it may be brought in the place of residence of either the plaintiff or the defendant (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 247).

A: In accordance with Article 1816, the individual property of a deceased partner shall be liable for all obligations of the partnership incurred while he was a partner. Note that the individual creditors of the deceased partner are to be preferred over partnership creditors with respect to the separate property of said deceased partner (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 245).

Q: Who are the persons authorized to wind up? A: 1. 2.

Q: What is the order of priority in the distribution of assets during the dissolution of a limited partnership?

3.

A: In setting accounts after dissolution, the liabilities of the partnership shall be entitled to payment in the following order: UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Those to creditors, in the order of priority as provided by law, except those to limited partners on account of their contributions, and to general partners Those to limited partners in respect to their share of the profits and other compensation by way of income on their contributions Those to limited partners in respect to the capital of their contributions Those to general partners other than for capital and profits Those to general partners in respect to profits Those to general partners in respect to capital (Art. 1863)

Partners designated by the agreement In the absence of such, all partners who have not wrongfully dissolved the partnership Legal representative of last surviving partner who is not insolvent

Note: The court may, in its discretion, after considering all the facts and circumstances of the particular case, appoint a receiver to

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PARTNERSHIP wind up the partnership affairs where such step is shown to be to the best interests of all persons concerned.

d.

2.

An insolvent partner does not have the right to wind up partnership affairs (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 247).

Q: What are the rights of liquidating partner? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Make new contracts Raise money to pay partnership debts Incur obligations to complete existing contracts or preserve partnership assets Incur expenses necessary in the conduct of litigation (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 248).

Q: What is the order of payment in winding up?

Q: What are the rights of injured partner where partnership contract is rescinded?

A: 1. Those owing to creditors other than partners 2. Those owing to partners other than for capital or profits 3. Those owing to partners in respect of capital 4. Those owing to partners in respect to profits [Art. 1839 (2)]

A: 1.

Q: What is the “doctrine of marshalling of assets”? A: 1. 2. 3.

To possess partnership property should they decide to continue the business Rights of partner who has wrongfully caused the dissolution: a. If the business is not continued by the other partners, to have the partnership property applied to discharge its liabilities and to receive in cash his share of the surplus less damages caused by his wrongful dissolution b. If the business is continued: i. To have the value of his interest in the partnership at the time of the dissolution, less any damage caused by the dissolution to his co-partners, ascertained and paid in cash, or secured by bond approved by the court; and ii. To be released from all existing and future liabilities of the partnership

2. 3.

Partnership creditors have preference in partnership assets Separate or individual creditors have preference in separate or individual properties Anything left from either goes to the other.

Right of a lien on, or retention of, the surplus of partnership property after satisfying partnership liabilities for any sum of money paid or contributed by him; Right of subrogation in place of partnership creditors after payment of partnership liabilities; and Right of indemnification by the guilty partner against all debts and liabilities of the partnership.

Q: How are the accounts settled between partners? A: 1.

Q: What are the rights of a partner where dissolution is not in contravention of the agreement?

2.

A: Unless otherwise agreed, the rights of each partner are as follows: 1. To have the partnership property applied to discharge the liabilities of partnership; and 2. To have the surplus, if any, applied, to pay in cash the net amount owing to the respective partners. Q: What are the rights of a partner where dissolution is in contravention of the agreement?

Assets of the partnership include: a. Partnership property (including goodwill) b. Contributions of the partners Order of application of the assets: a. First, those owing to partnership creditors b. Second, those owing to partners other than for capital and profits such as loans given by the partners or advances for business expenses c. Third, those owing for the return of the capital contributed by the partners d. Fourth, the share of the profits, if any, due to each partner

Q: A partnership was formed with Magdusa as the manager. During the existence of the partnership, two partners expressed their desire to withdraw from the firm. Magdusa determined the value of the partners share which were embodied in the document drawn in the handwriting of Magdusa but was not signed by all of the partners. Later, the withdrawing partners demanded for payment but were refused. Considering that not all partners intervened in the distribution of all or part of the partnership assets, should the action prosper?

A: The rights of a partner vary depending upon whether he is the innocent or guilty partner. 1. Rights of partner who has not caused the dissolution wrongfully: a. To have partnership property applied for the payment of its liabilities and to receive in cash his share of the surplus b. To be indemnified for the damages caused by the partner guilty of wrongful dissolution c. To continue the business in the same name during the agreed term of the partnership, by themselves or jointly with others

A: No. A partner’s share cannot be returned without first dissolving and liquidating the partnership, for the return is dependent on the discharge of creditors, whose claims enjoy preference over those of the partner, and it is self-

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CIVIL LAW evident that all members of the partnership are interested in its assets and business, and are entitled to be heard in the matter of the firm’s liquidation and distribution of its property. The liquidation prepared by Magdusa not signed by the other partners is not binding on them. (Magdusa v. Albaran, G.R. No. L-17526, June 30, 1962)

accounting, etc. Emnace counters, contending that prescription has set in. Decide. A: Prescription has not yet set in. Prescription of the said right starts to run only upon the dissolution of the partnership when the final accounting is done. Contrary to Emnace’s protestations, prescription had not even begun to run in the absence of a final accounting. The right to demand an accounting accrues at the date of dissolution in the absence of any agreement to the contrary. When a final accounting is made, it is only then that prescription begins to run (Emnace v. CA, G.R. No. 126334, Nov. 23, 2001).

Since the capital was contributed to the partnership, not to partners, it is the partnership that must refund the equity of the retiring partners. Since it is the partnership, as a separate and distinct entity that must refund the shares of the partners, the amount to be refunded is necessarily limited to its total resources. In other words, it can only pay out what it has in its coffers, which consists of all its assets. (Villareal v. Ramirez, G.R. No. 144214, July 14, 2003)

Q: Pauline, Patricia and Priscilla formed a business partnership for the purpose of engaging in neon advertising for a term of five (5) years. Pauline subsequently assigned to Philip her interest in the partnership. When Patricia and Priscilla learned of the assignment, they decided to dissolve the partnership before the expiration of its term as they had an unproductive business relationship with Philip in the past. On the other hand, unaware of the move of Patricia and Priscilla but sensing their negative reaction to his acquisition of Pauline’s interest, Philip simultaneously petitioned for the dissolution of the partnership. Is the dissolution done by Patricia and Priscilla without the consent of Pauline or Philip valid? Explain (1995 Bar Question).

Q: What is partner’s lien? A: The right of every partner to have the partnership property applied, to discharge partnership liabilities and surplus assets, if any, distributed in cash to the respective partners, after deducting what may be due to the partnership from them as partners. Q: What are the effects when the business of a dissolved partnership is continued? A: 1.

2.

3.

Creditors of old partnership are also creditors of the new partnership who continues the business of the old one without liquidation of the partnership affairs. Creditors have an equitable lien on the consideration paid to the retiring/deceased partner by the purchaser when retiring/deceased partner sold his interest without final settlement with creditors. Rights of retiring/estate of deceased partner: a. To have the value of his interest ascertained as of the date of dissolution; and b. To receive as ordinary creditor the value of his share in the dissolved partnership with interest or profits attributable to use of his right, at his option.

A: Under Art 1830(1)(c), the dissolution by Patricia and Priscilla is valid and did not violate the contract of partnership even though Pauline and Philip did not consent thereto. The consent of Pauline is not necessary because she had already assigned her interest to Philip. The consent of Philip is also not necessary because the assignment to him of Pauline’s interest did not make him a partner, under Art. 1813. Q: Does Philip have any right to petition for the dissolution of the partnership before the expiration of its specified term? Explain (1995 Bar Question) A: No, Philip has no right to petition for dissolution because he does not have the standing of a partner. (Art. 1813)

Note: The right to demand on accounting of the value of his interest accrues to any partner or his legal representative after dissolution in the absence of an agreement to the contrary.

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

Prescription begins to run only upon the dissolution of the partnership, when the final accounting is done.

Q: What is limited partnership? A: One formed by two or more persons having as members one or more general partners and one or more limited partners, the latter not being personally liable for partnership debts (Art. 1843)

Q: Who are the persons required to render an account? A: 1. 2. 3.

Winding up partner; Surviving partner; and Person or partnership continuing the business

Q: What are the characteristics of limited partnership? A: 1.

Q: Emnace and Tabanao decided to dissolve their partnership in 1986. Emnace failed to submit the statement of assets and liabilities of the partnership, and to render an accounting of the partnership's finances. Tabanao’s heirs filed against Emnace an action for


2.

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It is formed by compliance with the statutory requirements. One or more general partners control the business and are personally liable to creditors.

PARTNERSHIP 3.

4.

5.

One or more limited partners contribute to the capital and share in the profits but do not participate in the management of the business and are not personally liable for partnership obligations beyond their capital contributions. The limited partners may ask for the return of their capital contributions under conditions prescribed by law. Partnership debts are paid out of common fund and the individual properties of general partners

Q: When may a certificate or articles of limited partnership be amended? A: 1.

HOW LIMITED PARTNERSHIP IS FORMED/AMENDED Q: What are the essential requirements for the formation of limited partnership? A: 1.

2.

Certificate of articles of limited partnership which states the matters enumerated in Art. 1844, must be signed and sworn; and Certificate must be filed for record in the office of the SEC.

Note: Strict compliance with legal requirements is not necessary. It is sufficient that there is substantial compliance in good faith. If there is no substantial compliance, the partnership becomes general partnership as far as third persons are concerned, in which the member are liable as general partners. (Jo Chun v. Pacific Commercial Co., G.R. No. 19892, Sept. 6, 1923)

Q: Does a limited partnership have a personality separate and distinct from that of the partners? What are the consequences of such?

2.

A: Yes. The personality of a limited partnership being different from that of its members, it must, on general principle, answer for, and suffer, the consequence of its acts as such an entity capable of being the subject of rights and obligations. If the limited partnership failed to pay its obligations, this partnership must suffer the consequences of such a failure, and must be adjudged insolvent. (Campos Rueda & Co. v. Pacific Commercial Co., et. al, G.R. No. L18703, Aug. 28, 1922) .

3.

Q: When does a general partner need consent or ratification of all the limited partners? A: When he: 1. does any act in contravention of the certificate; 2. does any act which would make it impossible to carry on the ordinary business of the partnership; 3. confesses judgment against partnership; 4. possesses partnership property / assigns rights in specific partnership property other than for partnership purpose; 5. admits person as general partner; 6. admits person as limited partner – unless authorized in certificate; or 7. continues business with partnership property on death, retirement, civil interdiction, insanity or insolvency of general partner unless authorized in the certificate.

Q: What are the business reasons and purposes of statutes authorizing limited partnerships? A: 1. 2. 3.

Secure capital from others for one’s business and still retain control Share in profits of a business without risk of personal liability Associate as partners with those having business skill (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 279).

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF A LIMITED PARTNER

Q: When is the certificate or articles of limited partnership cancelled? A: 1. 2.

It must fall under the following changes and conditions: a. There is a change in the name of the partnership or in the amount or character of the contribution of any limited partner b. A person is substituted as a limited partner c. An additional limited partner is admitted d. A person is admitted as a general partner e. A general partner retires, dies, becomes insolvent or insane, or is sentenced to civil interdiction and the business is continued under Article 1860 f. There is a change in the character of the business of the partnership g. There is a false or erroneous statement in the certificate h. There is a change in the time as stated in the certificate for the dissolution of the partnership or for the return of a contribution i. A time is fixed for the dissolution of the partnership, or the return of a contribution, no time having been specified in the certificate j. The members desire to make a change in any other statement in the certificate in order that it shall accurately represent the agreement among them (Art. 1864) Must be signed and sworn to by all of the members including the new members if some added; in case of substitution, the assigning limited partner must also sign. Must be recorded in the SEC

Q: What are the specific rights of a limited partner? A: To: 1.

When the partnership is dissolved When all the limited partners ceased to be such (Art. 1864)

2.

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have partnership books kept at principal place of business; inspect/copy books at reasonable hours; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

have on demand true and full information of all things affecting partnership; have formal account of partnership affairs whenever circumstances render it just and reasonable; ask for dissolution and winding up by decree of court; receive share of profits/other compensation by way of income; and receive return of contributions, provided the partnership assets are in excess of all its liabilities.

Q: What are the requirements for the admission of a substituted limited partner? A: 1.

2. 3.

All the members must consent to the assignee becoming a substituted limited partner or the limited partner, being empowered by the certificate must give the assignee the right to become a limited partner; The certificate must be amended in accordance with Art. 1865; and The certificate as amended must be registered in the SEC.

Q: What are the liabilities of a limited partner? A: AS CREDITOR Deficiency in contribution Unpaid contribution

Q: What is the basis of preference given to limited partners over other limited partners? AS TRUSTEE Specific property stated as contributed but not yet contributed/ wrongfully returned Money/other property wrongfully paid/ conveyed to him on account of his contribution

A: Priority or preference may be given to some limited partners over other limited partners as to the: 1. return of their contributions; 2. their compensation by way of income; or 3. any other matter. Note: In the absence of such statement in the certificate, even if there is an agreement, all limited partners shall stand on equal footing in respect of these matters.

Q: What transactions are allowed or prohibited in a limited partnership? A: 1.

2.

Q: What are the requisites for return of contribution of a limited partner?

Allowed a. Granting loans to partnership b. Transacting business with partnership c. Receiving pro rata share of partnership assets with general creditors if he is not also a general partner Prohibited a. Receiving/holding partnership property as collateral security b. Receiving any payment, conveyance, release from rd liability if it will prejudice right of 3 persons

A: 1.

2.

3.

Q: When is the return of contribution of a limited partner a matter of right?

Note: The prohibition is not absolute because there is no prohibition if the partnership assets are sufficient to discharge partnership liabilities to persons not claiming as general or limited partners.

A: When all liabilities of the partnership, except liabilities to general partners and to limited partners on account of their contributions, have been paid or there remains property of the partnership sufficient to pay them and the certificate is cancelled or so amended as to set forth the withdrawal or reduction: 1. on the dissolution of the partnership; 2. upon the arrival of the date specified in the certificate for the return; or 3. after the expiration of 6 month notice in writing given by him to the other partners if no time is fixed in the certificate for the return of the contribution or for the dissolution of the partnership.

Q: Who is a substituted limited partner? A: A person admitted to all the rights of a limited partner who has died or assigned his interest in the partnership Q: What are the rights and liabilities of a substituted limited partner? A: GR: He has all the rights and powers and is subject to all the restrictions and liabilities of his assignor. XPN: Those liabilities which he was ignorant of at the time that he became a limited partner and which could not be ascertained from the certificate


All liabilities of the partnership have been paid or if they have not yet been paid, the assets of the partnership are sufficient to pay such liabilities; The consent of all the members (general and limited partners) has been obtained except when the return may be rightfully demanded; and The certificate of limited partnership is cancelled or amended

Note: Even if a limited partner has contributed property, he has only the right to demand and receive cash for his contribution. The exceptions are: 1. When there is stipulation to the contrary in the certificate; or

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PARTNERSHIP 2.

When all the partners (general and limited partners) consent to the return other than in the form of cash

Q: What is the effect of retirement, death, civil interdiction, insanity or insolvency of a partner?

Q: What are the liabilities of a limited partner? A: 1.

To the partnership - Since limited partners are not principals in the transaction of a partnership, their liability as a rule, is to the partnership, not to the creditors of the partnership. The general partners cannot, however waive any liability of the limited partners to the prejudice of such creditors.

2.

To the partnership creditors and other partners

a.

A limited partner is liable for partnership obligations when he contributed services instead of only money or property to the partnership When he allows his surname to appear in the firm name When he fails to have a false statement in the certificate corrected, knowing it to be false When he takes part in the control of the business When he receives partnership property as collateral security, payment, conveyance, or release in fraud of partnership creditors When there is failure to substantially comply with the legal requirements governing the formation of limited partnerships

b. c. d. e.

f.

3.

A: 1.

2.

Q: What are the rights of the executor/administrator on the death of the limited partner? A: 1. 2.

A: In setting accounts after dissolution, the liabilities of the partnership shall be entitled to payment in the following order: 1. Those to creditors, in the order of priority as provided by law, except those to limited partners on account of their contributions, and to general partners 2. Those to limited partners in respect to their share of the profits and other compensation by way of income on their contributions 3. Those to limited partners in respect to the capital of their contributions 4. Those to general partners other than for capital and profits 5. Those to general partners in respect to profits 6. Those to general partners in respect to capital (Art. 1863)

To separate creditors

Q: What are the requisites for waiver or compromise of liabilities?

Note: Subject to any statement in the certificate or to subsequent agreement, limited partners share in the partnership assets in respect to their claims for capital, and in respect to their claims for profits or for compensation by way of income on their contribution respectively, in proportion to the respective amounts of such claims.

A: The waiver or compromise: 1. is made with the consent of all partners; and 2. does not prejudice partnership creditors who extended credit or whose claims arose before the cancellation or amendment of the certificate.

Q: Is limited partner, not a proper party to proceedings?

Q: When may a limited partner have the partnership dissolved?

2.

All the rights of a limited partner for the purpose of settling his estate To have the same power as the deceased had to constitute his assignee as substituted limited partner.

Q: What is the order of priority in the distribution of assets during the dissolution of a limited partnership?

As in a general partnership, the creditor of a limited partner may, in addition to other remedies allowed under existing laws, apply to the proper court for a charging order subjecting the interest in the partnership of the debtor partner for the payment of his obligation. (De Leon, Comments and cases on Partnership, Agency and Trust, 2010, pp. 306-307)

A: 1.

General partner - the partnership is dissolved (Art. 1860) unless the business is continued by the remaining general partners: a. Under the right stated in the certificate; or b. With the consent of all the partners. Limited partner - the partnership is not dissolved except all limited partners cease to be such.

A: GR: A limited partner is not a proper party to proceedings: 1. By a partnership 2. Against a partnership

When his demand for the return of his contribution is denied although he has a right to such return; or When his contribution is not paid although he is entitled to its return because the other liabilities of the partnership have not been paid or the partnership property is insufficient for their payment.

XPNs: 1. If he is also a general partner. 2. Where the object is to enforce a limited partner’s right against or liability to the partnership. (Art. 1866)

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CIVIL LAW SUMMARY OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF PARTNERS GENERAL PARTNER

LIMITED PARTNER Rights

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5. 6.

Right in specific partnership property Interest in the partnership (share in the profits and surplus) 1. To have partnership books kept at principal place of Right to participate in the management business Right to associate another person with him in his share 2. To inspect/copy books at reasonable hours without the consent of other partners (sub-partnership) 3. To have on demand true and full information of all things Right to inspect and copy partnership books at any affecting partnership reasonable hour. 4. To have formal account of partnership affairs whenever Right to a formal account as to partnership affairs (even circumstances render it just and reasonable during existence of partnership) 5. To ask for dissolution and winding up by decree of court a. if he is wrongfully excluded from partnership business 6. To receive share of profits/other compensation by way of or possession of its property by his co-partners. income b. if right exists under the terms of any agreement. 7. To receive return of contributions, provided the c. as provided in Art. 1807 partnership assets are in excess of all its liabilities d. whenever the circumstances render it just and reasonable. Obligations Obligations of partners among themselves Contribution of property To the partnership Contribution of money and money converted to personal use Since limited partners are not principals in the transaction of a Prohibition in engaging in business for himself partnership, their liability as a rule, is to the partnership, not to Contribute additional capital the creditors of the partnership. The general partners cannot, Managing partner who collects debt however waive any liability of the limited partners to the Partner who receives share of partnership credit prejudice of such creditors. Damages to partnership Render information Accountable as fiduciary rd Obligations of partners to 3 persons Every partnership shall operate under a firm name. Persons who include their names in the partnership name even if they are not members shall be liable as a partner All partners shall be liable for contractual obligations of the partnership with their property, after all partnership assets have been exhausted: a. Pro rata b. Subsidiary Admission or representation made by any partner concerning partnership affairs within the scope of his authority is evidence against the partnership Notice to partner of any matter relating to partnership affairs operates as notice to partnership except in case of fraud: a. Knowledge of partner acting in the particular matter acquired while a partner b. Knowledge of the partner acting in the particular matter then present to his mind c. Knowledge of any other partner who reasonably could and should have communicated it to the acting partner rd Partners and the partnership are solidarily liable to 3 persons for the partner's tort or breach of trust Liability of incoming partner is limited to: a. His share in the partnership property for existing obligations


To the partnership creditors and other partners 1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

6.

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A limited partner is liable for partnership obligations when he contributed services instead of only money or property to the partnership When he allows his surname to appear in the firm name When he fails to have a false statement in the certificate corrected, knowing it to be false When he takes part in the control of the business When he receives partnership property as collateral security, payment, conveyance, or release in fraud of partnership creditors When there is failure to substantially comply with the legal requirements governing the formation of limited partnerships

PARTNERSHIP b. His separate property for subsequent obligations 7. Creditors of partnership are preferred in partnership property & may attach partner's share in partnership assets Other obligations 3.

4.

Duty to render on demand true and full information affecting partnership to any partner or legal representative of any deceased partner or of any partner under legal disability. Duty to account to the partnership as fiduciary.

To separate creditors As in a general partnership, the creditor of a limited partner may, in addition to other remedies allowed under existing laws, apply to the proper court for a charging order subjecting the interest in the partnership of the debtor partner for the payment of his obligation.

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CIVIL LAW AGENCY

Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 371)

DEFINITION OF AGENCY Q: Who are the parties to a contract of agency? Q: What is contract of agency? A: 1. Principal- one whom the agent represents and from whom he derives his authority; he is the person represented. Agency imports the contemporaneous existence of a principal, and there is no agency unless one is acting for and in behalf of another.

A: By contract of agency a person binds himself to render some service or to do something in representation or on behalf of another, with the consent or authority of the latter (Art. 1868) Q: What are the characteristics of a contract of agency?

2. Agent - one who acts for and represents another; he is the person acting in a representative capacity. The agent has derivative authority in carrying out the principal’s business. He may employ his own agent in which case he becomes a principal with respect to the latter (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 328).

A: BUNC-PP 1. Bilateral – If it is for compensation because it gives rise to reciprocal rights and obligations 2. Unilateral – If gratuitous, because it creates obligations for only one of the parties 3. Nominate 4. Consensual – It is perfected by mere consent 5. Principal 6. Preparatory – It is entered into as a means to an end (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 325)

Note: From the time the agent acts or transacts the business for which he has been employed in representation of another, a third party is added to the agency relationship – the party with whom the business is transacted (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., 328).

Q: What are the classifications of agency? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Q: What are the essential elements of an agency? A: CORS 1. Consent (express or implied) of the parties to establish the relationship;

As to manner of creation a. Express – agent has been actually authorized by the principal, either orally or in writing (Art. 1869) b. Implied – agency is implied from the acts of the principal, from his silence or lack of action or his failure to repudiate the agency, knowing that another person is acting on his behalf without authority (Art. 1869) As to character a. Gratuitous – agent receives no compensation for his services (Art. 1875) b. Onerous – agent receives compensation for his services (Art. 1875)

Note: A person may express his consent (1) by contract (Art. 1868), orally or in writing, (2) by conduct (Art. 1869) (3) by ratification (Art. 1910) or the consent may arise (4) by presumption or operation of law. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 329)

2. 3. 4.

As to extent of business of the principal a. General – agency comprises all the business of the principal (Art. 1876) b. Special – agency comprises one or more specific transactions (Art. 1876) As to authority conferred a. Couched in general terms – agency is created in general terms and is deemed to comprise only acts in the name and representation of the principal (Art. 1877) b. Couched in specific terms – agency authorizing only the performance of a specific act or acts (Art. 1876) As to nature and effects a. Ostensible or representative – agent acts in the name and representation of the principal (Art. 1868) b. Simple or commission – agent acts in his own name but for the account of the principal (De


The Object is the execution of a juridical act in relation to third persons; The agent acts as a Representative and not for himself; and The agent acts within the Scope of his authority. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 329)

Q: Are there any formal requirements in the appointment of an agent? A: GR: There are no formal requirements governing the appointment of an agent. XPN: When the law requires a specific form. i.e. – when sale of land or any interest therein is through an agent, the authority of the latter must be in writing; otherwise, the sale shall be void (Art. 1874)

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AGENCY Q: What is the rule on the implied acceptance of the agency?

Q: What are the requisites for solidary liability of joint principals?

A: 1.

A: 1. 2.

2.

Between persons who are present – the acceptance of the agency may also be implied of the principal delivers his power of attorney to the agent and the latter receives it without any objection (Art. 1871) Between persons who are absent – the acceptance of the agency cannot be implied from the silence of the agent except: a. When the principal transmits his power of attorney to the agent, who receives it without any objection; b. When the principal entrusts to him by letter or telegram a power of attorney with respect to the business in which he is habitually engage as an agent and he did not reply to the letter or telegram. (Art. 1872)

3.

Q: What is the “Theory of imputed knowledge”? A: The importance of the duty to give information of material facts becomes readily apparent when it is borne in mind that knowledge of the agent is imputed to the principal even though the agent never communicated such knowledge to the principal (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 343).

Note: Acceptance by the agent may also be express or implied from his acts which carry out the agency, or from his silence or inaction according to the circumstances. (Art. 1870)

Q: What are the exceptions to the theory of imputed knowledge? A: 1. Where the agent’s interests are adverse to those of the principal; 2. Where the agent’s duty is not to disclose the information, as where he is informed by way of confidential information; and 3. Where the person claiming the benefit of the rule colludes with the agent to defraud the principal.

Q: What is the nature of the relationship between principal and agent? A: It is fiduciary in nature that is based on trust and confidence (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 337). Q: What are the qualifications of a principal? A: 1. 2.

There are two or more principals; They have all concurred in the appointment of the same agent; and Agent is appointed for a common transaction or undertaking (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 569)

Note: The theory of imputed knowledge ascribes the knowledge of the agent to the principal, not the other way around. The knowledge of the principal cannot be imputed to his agent (Sunace International Management Services, Inc. vs. National Labor Relations Commission, 480 SCRA 146, 2006)

Natural or juridical person He must have capacity to act

Note: If a person is capacitated to act for himself or his own right, he can act through an agent.

Q: What are the kinds of agents?

Insofar as third persons are concerned, it is enough that the principal is capacitated. But insofar as his obligations to his principal are concerned, the agent must be able to bind himself.

A: 1.

Q: What are the kinds of principal? A: 1. Disclosed principal- if at the time of the transaction contracted by the agent, the other party thereto has known that the agent is acting for a principal and of the principal’s identity. 2. Partially disclosed principal- if the other party knows or has reason to know that the agent is or may be acting for a principal but is unaware of the principal’s identity. 3. Undisclosed principal- if the party has no notice of the fact that the agent is acting as such for a principal (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 375).

2.

3.

Universal agent – one employed to do all acts which the principal may personally do, and which he can lawfully delegate to another the power of doing (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 403) General agent – one employed to transact all business of the principal, or all the business of a particular kind or in a particular place, do all acts connected with a particular trade, business or employment (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 403) Special or particular agent – one authorized to do act in one or more specific transactions or to do one or more specific acts or to act upon a particular occasion (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 404)

Q: What is the rule with regard to the execution of the agency?

Q: Define “joint principals” A: Two or more persons appoint an agent for a common transaction or undertaking (Art. 1915).

A: GR: The agent is bound by his acceptance to carry out the agency, in accordance with the instruction of the

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CIVIL LAW principal and is liable for damages which, through his nonperformance, the principal may suffer. (Art. 1884; Art.1887)

Q: What are the requisites for the existence of agency by necessity?

XPN: If its execution could manifestly result in loss or damage to the principal. (Art. 1888)

A: RIAA 1. Real existence of emergency 2. Inability of the agent to communicate with the principal 3. Exercise of Additional authority is for the principal’s protection 4. Adoption of fairly reasonable means, premises duly considered

Q: What is the responsibility of two or more agents appointed simultaneously? A: GR: Jointly liable. XPN: Solidarity has been expressly stipulated. Each of the agents becomes solidarily liable for: 1. the non-fulfillment of the agency; or 2. fault or negligence of his fellow agent.

Q: What is the rule regarding double agency? A: GR: It is disapproved by law for being against public policy and sound morality.

XPNs to the XPN: 1. When one of the other agents acts beyond the scope of his authority – innocent agent is not liable. 2. When the the fault or negligence of his fellow agents acted beyond the scope of their authority – innocent agent is not liable. (Art. 1895)

XPN: Where the agent acted with full knowledge and consent of the principals. Q: What are the acts that a principal may delegate to his agent?

Note: An innocent agent has a right later on to recover from the guilty or negligent agent. (Art. 1217)

A: GR: What a man may do in person, he may do thru another.

Q: What are the instances when the agent may incur personal liability?

XPNs: 1. Personal acts – personal performance is required by law or public policy or the agreement of the parties, the doing of the act by a person on behalf of another does not constitute performance by the latter. 2. Criminal acts or acts not allowed by law – an attempt to delegate an act to another authority to do an act which, if done by the principal would be illegal, is void. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, pp. 334335)

A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Agent expressly bound himself; Agent exceeds his authority; Acts of the agent prevent the performance on the part of the principal; When a person acts as agent without authority or without a principal; or A person who acts as an agent of an incapacitated principal unless the third person was aware of the incapacity at the time of the making of the contract. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed. pp. 484-490)

Q: A granted B the exclusive right to sell his brand of Maong pants in Isabela, the price for his merchandise payable within 60 days from delivery, and promising B a commission of 20% on all sales. After the delivery of the merchandise to B but before he could sell any of them, B’s store in Isabela was completely burned without his fault, together with all of A's pants. Must B pay A for the lost pants? Why? (1999 Bar Question)

Q: Can agency be presumed? A: GR: Agency is not presumed. The relation between principal and agent must exist as a fact. Thus, it is held that where the relation of agency is dependent upon the acts of the parties, the law makes no presumption of agency, and it is always a fact to be proved, with the burden of proof resting upon the person alleging the agency to show, not only the fact of its existence, but also its nature and extent.

A: The contract between A and B is a sale not an agency to sell because the price is payable by B upon 60 days from delivery even if B is unable to resell it. If B were an agent, he is not bound to pay the price if he is unable to resell it. As a buyer, ownership passed to B upon delivery and, under Art. 1504, the thing perishes for the owner. Hence, B must still pay the price.

XPNS: 1. Operation of law 2. To prevent unjust enrichment (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 375). Q: Can agency be created by necessity?

Q: Is mere representation of an alleged agent sufficient to prove the existence of a principal-agent relationship?

A: No. What is created is additional authority in an agent appointed and authorized before the emergency arose.

A: No. The declarations of the agent alone are generally insufficient to establish the fact or extent of agency. It is a


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AGENCY settled rule that the persons dealing with the assumed agent are bound at their peril, if they would hold the principals liable, to ascertain not only the fact of agency but also the nature and extent of authority, and in case either is controverted, the burden of proof is upon them to establish it (Spouses Yu v. Pan American World Airways, Inc., G.R. No. 123560, Mar. 27, 2000).

by the principal thru the agreement

Q: Distinguish agency from lease of services. A: AGENCY Agent represents the principal

Q: A foreign manufacturer of computers and a Philippine distributor entered into a contract whereby the distributor agreed to order 1,000 units of the manufacturer's computers every month and to resell them in the Philippines at the manufacturer's suggested prices plus 10%. All unsold units at the end of the year shall be bought back by the manufacturer at the same price they were ordered. The manufacturer shall hold the distributor free and harmless from any claim for defects in the units. Is the agreement one for sale or agency? (2000 Bar Question)

Relationship can be terminated at the will of either principal or agent Agent exercises discretionary powers

Generally, relationship can be terminated only at the will of both Employee has ministerial functions

A: AGENCY Agent usually holds no title at all Agent usually acts in the name of the principal

Q: Distinguish agency from guardianship A:

Agent can make the principal personally liable

LEASE OF SERVICES Worker or lessor of services does not represent his employer

Q: Distinguish agency from trust

A: The contract is one of agency not sale. The notion of sale is negated by the following indicia: (1) the price is fixed by the manufacturer with the 10% mark-up constituting the commission; (2) the manufacturer reacquires the unsold units at exactly the same price; and (3) warranty for the units was borne by the manufacturer. The foregoing indicia negate sale because they indicate that ownership over the units was never intended to transfer to the distributor.

AGENCY Agent represents a capacitated person Agent derives authority from the principal Agent is appointed by the principal and can be removed by the latter Agent is subject to directions of the principal

specific orders from the court

GUARDIANSHIP Guardian represents an incapacitated person

TRUST Trustee may hold legal title to the property Trustee may act in his own name

Agency usually may be terminated or revoked any time

Trust usually ends by the accomplishment of the purposes for which it was formed

Agency may not be connected at all with property

Trust involves control over property

Agent has authority to make contracts which will be binding on his principal

Guardian derives authority from the court Guardian is appointed by the court, and stands in loco parentis

Agency is really a contractual relation

Guardian is not subject to the directions of the ward, but must act for the ward’s benefit Guardian has no power to impose personal liability on the ward

Trustee does not necessarily or even possess such authority to bind the trustor or the cestui que trust Trust may be the result of a contract, it may also be created by law

POWERS Q: What are the kinds of agency as to extent of powers conferred? A: An agency may be couched in general terms or couched in specific terms. (Art. 1869)

Q: Distinguish agency from judicial administration.

Q: What is an agency couched in general terms?

A:

A: One which is created in general terms and is deemed to comprise only acts of administration (Art. 1877).

AGENCY Agent is appointed by the principal Represents the principal Agent does not file a bond Agent is controlled

JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION Judicial Administrator is appointed by the court Represents not only the court but also the heirs and creditors of the estate Judicial Administrator files a bond His acts are subject to

Q: When is an express power necessary? A: It is necessary to perform any act of strict ownership (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 408)

353


CIVIL LAW Q: When is the act of an agent binding to the principal?

Q: When is the principal not bound by the act of the agent?

A: 1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

When the agent acts as such without expressly binding himself or does not exceed the limits of his authority (Art. 1897) If principal ratifies the act of the agent which exceeded his authority (Art. 1898) Circumstances where the principal himself was, or ought to have been aware (Art. 1899) If such act is within the terms of the power of attorney, as written. (Art.1900 & 1902) Principal has ratified, or has signified his willingness to ratify the agent’s act (Art 1901)

A: 1. GR: When the act is without or beyond the scope of his authority in the principal’s name. XPNs: a. Where the acts of the principal have contributed rd to deceive a 3 person in good faith b. Where the limitation upon the power created by the principal could not have been known by the rd 3 person c. Where the principal has placed in the hands of the agent instruments signed by him in blank d. Where the principal has ratified the acts of the agent

Q: Does knowledge of a fact by an agent bind the principal? A: GR: Knowledge of agent is knowledge of principal.

2. When the act is within the scope of the agent’s authority but in his own name, except when the transaction involves things belonging to the principal. (Art. 1883)

XPNs: 1. Agent’s interests are adverse to those of the principal; 2. Agent’s duty is not to disclose the information (confidential information); or 3. Where the person claiming the benefit of the rule colludes with the agent to defraud the principal (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed. p. 344)

Note: The limits of the agent’s authority shall not be considered exceeded should it have been performed in a manner more advantageous to the principal than that specified by him.

RIGHTS OF AGENTS Q: What are the instances when the agent may retain in pledge the object of the agency?

Q: What are the effects of the acts of an agent? A: 1.

2.

A: 1.

With authority a. In principal’s name – valid b. In his own name – not binding on the principal; agent and stranger are the only parties, except regarding things belonging to the principal or when the principal ratifies the contract or derives benefit therefrom Without authority a. In principal’s name – unenforceable but may be ratified, in which case, may be validated retroactively from the beginning b. In his own name – valid on the agent, but not on the principal

2.

Q: What is the rule where two persons deal separately with the agent and the principal? A: If the two contracts are incompatible with each other, the one of prior date shall be preferred. This is subject however to the rule on double sale under Art. 1544.

Q: CX executed a special power of attorney authorizing DY to secure a loan from any bank and to mortgage his property covered by the owner’s certificate of title. In securing a loan from M Bank, DY did not specify that he was acting for CX in the transaction with the bank. Is CX liable for the bank loan? (2004 Bar Question)

Note: Rules of preference in double sale 1. Personal property – possessor in good faith 2. Real property a. Registrant in good faith b. Possessor in good faith c. Person with the oldest title in good faith (Art. 1544)

A: While as a general rule the principal is not liable for the contract entered into by his agent in case the agent acted in his own name without disclosing his principal, such rule does not apply if the contract involves a thing belonging to the principal. In such case, the principal is liable under Art. 1883. The contract is deemed made in his behalf (Sy-Juco v. Sy-Juco, G.R. No. L-13471, Jan. 12, 1920).


If principal fails to reimburse the agent the necessary sums, including interest, which the latter advanced for the execution of the agency (Art. 1912); or If principal fails to indemnify the agent for all damages which the execution of the agency may have caused the latter, without fault or negligence on his part. (Art. 1913)

If agent acted in good faith, the principal shall be liable for damages to the third person whose contract must be rejected. If agent is in bad faith, he alone shall be liable. (Art. 1917)

354

AGENCY Q: Can a person acting as an agent escape criminal liability by virtue of the contract of agency?

7.

Not to carry out the agency of its execution would manifestly result in loss or damage to the principal (Art. 1888) 8. Answer for damages if there being a conflict between his interests and those of the principal, he should prefer his own (Art. 1889) 9. Not to Loan to himself if he has been authorized to lend money at interest (Art. 1890) 10. Render an Account of his transactions and to deliver to the principal whatever he may have received by virtue of the agency, even though it may not be owing to the principal (Art. 1891)

A: No. The law on agency has no application in criminal cases. When a person participates in the commission of a crime, he cannot escape punishment on the ground that he simply acted as an agent of another party (Ong v. CA, G.R. No. 119858, Apr. 29, 2003) Q: Can an agent maintain an action against persons with whom they contracted on behalf of his principal? A: No. Agents are not a party with respect to that contract between his principal and third persons. As agents, they only render some service or do something in representation or on behalf of their principals. The rendering of such service did not make them parties to the contracts of sale executed in behalf of the latter. The fact that an agent who makes a contract for his principal will gain or suffer loss by the performance or nonperformance of the contract by the principal or by the other party thereto does not entitle him to maintain an action on his own behalf against the other party for its breach. An agent entitled to receive a commission from his principal upon the performance of a contract which he has made on his principal's account does not, from this fact alone, have any claim against the other party for breach of the contract, either in an action on the contract or otherwise. An agent who is not a promisee cannot maintain an action at law against a purchaser merely because he is entitled to have his compensation or advances paid out of the purchase price before payment to the principal (Uy v. CA, G.R. No. 120465, Sept. 9, 1999)

Note: Every stipulation exempting the agent from the obligation to render an account shall be void. [Art. 1891(2)]

11. Distinguish goods by countermarks and designate the merchandise respectively belonging to each principal, in the case of a commission agent who handles goods of the same kind and mark, which belong to different owners (Art. 1904) 12. Be Responsible in certain cases for the acts of the substitute appointed by him (Art. 1892) 13. Pay interest on funds he has applied to his own use (Art. 1896) 14. Inform the principal, where an authorized sale of credit has been made, of such sale (Art. 1906) 15. Bear the risk of collection and pay the principal the proceeds of the sale on the same terms agreed upon with the purchaser, should he receive also on sale, a guarantee commission (Art. 1907) 16. Indemnify the principal for damages for his failure to collect the credits of his principal at the time that they become due (Art. 1908) 17. be Responsible for fraud or negligence (Art. 1909; De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., pp.451-452)

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF AN AGENT Q: What are the specific obligations of an agent to the principal? A: CAFO-FAN-ALAD-RIP-BIR 1. Carry out the agency which he has accepted (Art. 1884) 2. Answer for damages which through his nonperformance the principal may suffer (Ibid) 3. Finish the business already begun on the death of the principal should delay entail any danger (Ibid) 4. Observe the diligence of a good father of a family in the custody and preservation of the goods forwarded to him by the owner in case he declines an agency, until an agent is appointed (Art. 1885)

Note: The court shall judge with more or less rigor, the fault or negligence of the agent, according to whether the agency was or was not for compensation.

Q: What are “instructions”? A: Instructions are private directions which the principal may give the agent in regard to the manner of performing his duties as such agent but of which a third party is ignorant. They are said to be secret if the principal intended them not to be made known to such party (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 455).

Note: The owner shall as soon as practicable either appoint an agent or take charge of the goods. (Art. 1885)

5.

6.

Q: What are the distinctions between authority and the principal’s instructions?

Advance the necessary Funds should there be a stipulation to do so except when the principal is insolvent (Art. 1886) Act in accordance with the instructions of the principal, and in default thereof, to do all that a good father of a family would do, as required by the nature of the business (Art. 1887)

A: AUTHORITY Sum total of the powers committed to the agent by the principal

355

INSTRUCTIONS Contemplates only a private rule of guidance to the agent; independent and distinct in character


CIVIL LAW Relates to the subject/business with which the agent is empowered to deal or act Limitations of authority are operative as against those who have/charged with knowledge of them Contemplated to be made known to third persons dealing with the agent

Refers to the manner or mode of agent’s action Without significance as against those with neither knowledge nor notice of them Not expected to be made known to those with whom the agent deals (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed. p. 344)

Q: In case of breach of loyalty, is the agent still entitled to commission? A: No, The forfeiture of the commission will take place regardless of whether the principal suffers any injury by reason of such breach of loyalty. It does not even matter if the agency is for a gratuitous one, or that the principal obtained better results, or that usage and customs allow a receipt of such a bonus. Note: An agent has an absolute duty to make a full disclosure or accounting to his principal of all transactions and material facts that may have some relevance with the agency (Domingo v. Domingo, G.R. No. L-30573, Oct. 29, 1971). Q: When is the obligation to account not applicable? A: 1. 2.

3.

If the agent acted only as a middleman with the task of merely bringing together the vendor and vendees; If the agent informed the principal of the gift/bonus/profit he received from the purchaser and his principal did not object thereto; or Where a right of lien exists in favor of the agent.


356

AGENCY SUMMARY OF RULES; ACTS OF AN AGENT In behalf of the principal, within the scope of authority 1. 2.

Binds principal; Agent not personally liable

Without or beyond scope of authority Contract is unenforceable as against the principal but binds the agent to the third person Binding on the principal when: 1. Ratified or 2. The principal allowed the agent to act as though he had full powers Within the scope of authority but in the agent’s name 1. Not binding on the principal; rd 2. Principal has no cause of action against the 3 parties and vice versa Note: When the transaction involves things belonging to the principal: Remedy of the principal – damages for agent’s failure to comply with the agency

Within the scope of the written power of attorney but agent has actually exceeded his authority according to an understanding between him and the principal rd 1. Insofar as 3 persons are concerned (not required to inquire further than the terms of the written power), agent acted within scope of his authority; 2. Principal stopped With improper motives Motive is immaterial; as long as within the scope of authority, valid With misrepresentations by the agent 1. Authorized – principal still liable 2. Beyond the scope of the agent’s authority GR: Principal not liable XPN: Principal takes advantage of a contract or receives benefits made under false representation of his agent Mismanagement of the business by the agent rd 1. Principal still responsible for the acts contracted by the agent with respect to 3 persons; 2. Principal, however, may seek recourse from the agent Tort committed by the agent Principal civilly liable so long as the tort is committed by the agent while performing his duties in furtherance of the principal’s business rd Agent in good faith but prejudices 3 parties Principal is liable for damages

357


CIVIL LAW EXPRESS vs. IMPLIED AGENCY

Q: What are the distinctions between apparent authority and authority by estoppel?

Q: Distinguish express and implied agency A: A:

Apparent Authority EXPRESS AGENCY IMPLIED AGENCY As to definition One where the agent has been actually One which is implied from authorized by the the acts of the principal, principal, either orally or in writing As to authority When it is incidental to the transaction or reasonably necessary to When it is directly accomplish the purpose of conferred by words the agency, and therefore, the principal is deemed to have actually intended the agent to possess

That which is though not actually granted, the principal knowingly permits the agent to exercise or holds him out as possessing Founded in conscious permission of acts beyond the powers granted

AGENCY BY ESTOPPEL Q: When is there an agency by estoppel? A: When one leads another to believe that a certain person is his agent, when as a matter of fact such is not true, and the latter acts on such misrepresentation, the former cannot disclaim liability, for he has created an agency by estoppel. (Paras, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, th Vol. V, p. 558, 6 ed)

Q: What is the scope of the agent’s authority as to third persons? A: It includes not only the actual authorization conferred upon the agent by his principal but also that which is apparent or impliedly delegated to him. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed. p.493)

Q: What are the rules regarding estoppel in agency? A: 1.

Q: Is the third person required to inquire into the authority of the agent? A: 1.

2.

Where authority is not in writing – Every person dealing with an assumed agent must discover upon his peril, if he would hold the principal liable, not only the fact of the agency but the nature and extent of the authority of the agent. Where authority is in writing – 3rd person is not required to inquire further than the terms of the written power of attorney.

Estoppel of principal a. As to agent – One who knows that another is acting as his agent and fails to repudiate his acts, or accepts the benefits, will be estopped to deny the agency as against the other. b. As to sub-agent – To estop the principal from denying his liability to a third person, he must have known or be charged with knowledge of the fact of the transaction and the terms of the agreement between the agent and sub-agent. c. As to third persons – One who knows that another is acting as his agent or permitted another to appear as his agent, to the injury of third persons who have dealt with the apparent agent as such in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable prudence, is estopped to deny the agency.

3.

Estoppel of third persons – A third person, having dealt with one as agent may be estopped to deny the agency as against the principal, agent, or third persons in interest.

4.

Estoppel of the government – The government is not estopped by the mistake or error on the part of its agents.

Q: When is the principal bound by the actual or apparent authority of the agent? A: The principal is bound by the acts of the agent on his behalf, whether or not the third person dealing with the agent believes that the agent has actual authority, so long as the agent has actual authority, express or implied. Q: What is doctrine of apparent authority? A: The principal is liable only as to third persons who have been led reasonably to believe by the conduct of the principal that such actual authority exists, although none has been given.

358

Estoppel of agent – One professing to act as agent for another may be estopped to deny his agency both as against his asserted principal and the third persons interested in the transaction in which he engaged.

2.

Note: A third person with whom the agent wishes to contract on behalf of the principal may require the presentation of the power of attorney or the instructions as regards the agency (Art. 1902).


Authority by Estoppel Arises when the principal, by his culpable negligence, permits his agent to exercise powers not granted to him, even though the principal may have no notice or knowledge of the agent’s conduct Founded on the principal’s negligence in failing properly to supervise the affairs of the agent

AGENCY Note: However, the rule on non-estoppel of the government is not designed to perpetrate an injustice (Leca Realty Corporation v. Republic. G.R. Nos. 155605 & 160179, 2006)

Q: Who is a commission agent?

Q: Distinguish implied agency from agency by estoppel

A: He is one engaged in the purchase and sale of personal property for a principal, which, for this purpose, has to be placed in his possession and at his disposal.

A: IMPLIED AGENCY AGENCY BY ESTOPPEL As to liability between principal and agent If caused by the “agent”, Agent is a true agent, he is not considered a with rights and duties true agent, hence, he has of an agent no rights as such As to liability to third persons 1. If caused by the principal, he is liable, 1. The principal is rd but only if the 3 always liable person acted on the 2. The agent is misrepresentation; never personally 2. If caused by the agent liable alone, only the agent is liable

Q: Who is a broker? A: He is a middleman or intermediary who in behalf of others and for a commission or fee negotiates contracts/transactions relating to real or personal property. Q: What is factorage? A: It is the compensation of a factor or commission agent. Q: What is ordinary commission? A: It is the compensation for the sale of goods which are placed in the agent’s possession or at his disposal. Q: What is guarantee commission?

GENERAL vs. SPECIAL AGENCY

A: It is the fee which is given in return for the risk that the agent has to bear in the collection of credits.

Q: Distinguish a general agent from a special agent? A:

Note: The purpose of the guarantee commission is to compensate the agent for the risks he will have to bear in the collection of the credit due the principal. (De, Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agensy and Trust, 2010, p. 516)

General Agent Special Agent Scope of Authority Specific acts in All acts connected with pursuance of particular the business or instructions or with employment in which restrictions necessarily he is engaged implied from the act to be done Nature of Service Authorized Involves continuity of No continuity of service service Extent to which the Agent may Bind the Principal May bind his principal Cannot bind his by an act within the principal in a manner scope of his authority beyond or outside the although it may be specific acts which he is contrary to the latter’s authorized to perform special instructions Termination of Authority Duty imposed upon the Apparent authority third party to inquire does not terminate by makes termination of mere revocation of his the relationship authority without effective upon notice to the third party revocation Construction of Principal’s Instruction Strictly construed as Merely advisory in they limit the agent’s nature authority

Q: Who is a del credere agent? A: He is the agent who guarantees payment of the customer’s account in consideration of the commission. (De, Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agensy and Trust, 2010, p. 516) Note: A del credere agent may sue in his name for the purchase price in the event of non-performance by the buyer (De, Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agensy and Trust, 2010, p. 517)

AGENCY COUCHED IN GENERAL TERMS Q: What is an agency couched in general terms? A: One which is created in general terms and is deemed to comprise only acts of administration (Art. 1877). Q: What is meant by acts of administration? A: Those which do not imply the authority to alienate for the exercise of which an express power is necessary (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 408-409).

359


CIVIL LAW Q: When is payment an act of administration?

Q: When is a special power necessary?

A: When payment is made in the ordinary course of management (Art. 1878; De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 415).

A: COLL MO SPRING COW 1. to Create or convey real rights over immovable property; 2. To enter into any contract by which the Ownership of an immovable is transmitted or Acquired either gratuitously or for a valuable consideration 3. to Loan or borrow money, unless the latter act be urgent and indispensable for the preservation of the things which are under administration; 4. to Lease any real property to another person for more than one year; 5. to Make such Payments as are not usually considered as acts of administration; 6. to Obligate principal as guarantor or surety 7. to bind the principal to render some Service without compensation; 8. to bind the principal in a contract of Partnership; 9. to Ratify obligations contracted before the agency 10. to Accept or repudiate an Inheritance 11. To effect Novation which put an end to obligations already in existence at the time the agency was constituted 12. to make Gifts, except customary ones for charity or those made to employees in the business managed by the agent 13. To Compromise, to submit questions to arbitration, to renounce the right to appeal from a judgment, to waive objections to the venue of an action or to abandon a prescription already acquired 14. any Other act of strict dominion 15. To Waive an obligation gratuitously

Q: When are making gifts an act of administration? A: The making of customary gifts for charity, or those made to employees in the business managed by the agent are considered acts of administration (Art. 1878; De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency and Trusts, 2010, p. 418) Q: P granted to A a special power to mortgage the former’s real estate. By virtue of said power, A secured a loan from C secured by a mortgage on said real estate. Is P personally liable for said loan? A: No. A special power to mortgage property is limited to such authority to mortgage and does not bind the grantor personally to other obligations contracted by the grantee in the absence of any ratification or other similar act that would estop the grantor from questioning or disowning such other obligations contracted by the grantee. AGENCY REQUIRING SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY Q: What is special power of attorney (SPA)? A: It is an instrument in writing by which one person, as principal, appoints another as his agent and confers upon him the authority to perform certain specified acts or kinds of acts on behalf of the principal with a primary purpose to evidence agent’s authority to third parties within whom the agent deals.

Q: What are the limitations to a special power of attorney?

Q: Is the intervention of a notary public required for the validity of an SPA?

A: 1.

A: GR: A power of attorney is valid although no notary public intervened in its execution. (Barretto v. Tuason, G.R. Nos. L-36811, 36827, 36840, 36872, Mar. 31, 1934) (De Leon, p. 443, 2005 ed)

2. 3.

XPN: When SPA is executed in a foreign country, it must be certified and authenticated according to the Rules of Court, particularly Sec. 25, Rule 132.

AGENCY BY OPERATION OF LAW

Note: When the special power of attorney is executed and acknowledged before a notary public or other competent official in a foreign country, it cannot be admitted in evidence unless it is certified as such by a secretary of embassy or legation, consul general, consul, vice consul, or consular agent or by any officer in the foreign service of the Philippines stationed in the foreign country in which the record is kept of said public document and authenticated by the seal of his office. (Medina v. Natividad, G.R. No. 177505, Nov. 27, 2008)

Q: When is an agency created by operation of law? A: 1.

The failure to have the special power of attorney (executed in a foreign country) authenticated is not merely a technicality – it is a question of jurisdiction. Jurisdiction over the person of the real party-in-interest was never acquired by the courts. (Ibid.)


A special power to sell excludes the power to mortgage (Art. 1879) A special power to mortgage does not include the power to sell (ibid) A special power to compromise does not authorize submission to arbitration (Art. 1880)

2.

360

When the agent withdraws from the agency for a valid reason, he must continue to act until the principal has had a reasonable opportunity to take the necessary steps like the appointment of a new agent to remedy the situation caused by the withdrawal (Art. 1929). In case a person declines an agency, he is bound to observe the diligence of good father of the family in the custody and preservation of the

AGENCY goods forwarded to him by the owner until the latter should appoint an agent (Art. 1885).

XPN to the XPN: When the principal ratifies it expressly or tacitly (Art. 1910)

Note: The law reconciles the interests of the agent with those of the principal, and if it permits the withdrawal of the agent, it is on the condition that no damage results to the principal, and if the agent desires to be relieved of the obligation of making reparation when he withdraws for a just cause, he must continue to ac so that no injury may be caused to the principal. (De Leon Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 8th ed.)

Note: Even if the agent has exceeded his authority, the principal is solidarily liable with the agent if the former allowed the latter to act as though he had full powers (Art. 1911)

Q: What is the liability of the principal for tort committed by the agent? A: GR: Where the fault or crime committed by the agent is not in the performance of an obligation of the principal, the latter is not bound by the illicit acts of the agent, even if it is done in connection with the agency.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF PRINCIPAL Q: What are the obligations of the principal to the agent? A: To: CARIP 1. Comply with all obligations which the agent may have contracted within the scope of his authority [Art. 1910(1)]; 2. Advance to the agent, should the latter so request, the sums necessary for the execution of the agency (Art. 1912); 3. Reimburse the agent for all advances made by him, even if the business or undertaking was not successful, provided the agent is free from fault (Ibid.); 4. Indemnify the agent for all damages which the execution of the agency may have caused the latter without fault or negligence on his part (Art. 1913); and 5. Pay the agent the compensation agreed upon, or if no compensation was specified, the reasonable value of the agent’s services (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed. p.523).

XPNs: 1. Where the tort was committed by the agent because of defective instructions from the principal or due to lack of necessary vigilance or supervision on his part; or 2. When the tort consists in the performance of an act which is within the powers of an agent but becomes criminal only because of the manner in which the agent has performed it; the principal is civilly liable to 3rd persons who acted in good faith. IRREVOCABLE AGENCY Q: When is agency irrevocable? A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: Is the principal liable for the expenses incurred by the agent?

4.

A: GR: Yes.

5.

XPNs: 1. If the agent acted in contravention of the principal's instructions, unless principal should wish to avail himself of the benefits derived from the contract; 2. When the expenses were due to the fault of the agent; 3. When the agent incurred them with knowledge that an unfavorable result would ensue, if the principal was not aware thereof; or 4. When it was stipulated that the expenses would be borne by the agent, or that the latter would be allowed only a certain sum (Art. 1918)

If a bilateral contract depends upon it if it is the means of fulfilling an obligation already contracted if partner is appointed manager and his removal from the management is unjustifiable. (Art 1927) if it has been constituted in the common interest of the principal and the agent (Art. 1930) Stipulation pour atrui (Art. 1311)

Q: How may the agent withdraw from the agency? A: The agent may withdraw from the agency by giving due notice to the principal. If the latter should suffer any damage by reason of the withdrawal, the agent must indemnify him therefor, unless the agent should base his withdrawal upon the impossibility of continuing the performance of the agency without grave detriment to himself (Art. 1928). Note: The agent, even if he should withdraw from the agency for a valid reason, must continue to act until the principal has had reasonable opportunity to take the necessary steps to meet the situation (Art. 1929).

Q: What is the liability of the principal regarding contracts entered into by the agent?

MODES OF EXTINGUISHMENT

A: GR: The principal must comply with all the obligations which the agent may have contracted within the scope of his authority.

Q: What are the modes of extinguishing an agency? A: EDWARD 1. Expiration of the period

XPN: Where the agent exceeded his authority.

361


CIVIL LAW 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Death, civil interdiction, insanity or insolvency of principal or of the agent Withdrawal by the agent Accomplishment of the object or the purpose of the agency Revocation Dissolution of the firm or corporation which entrusted or accepted the agency. (Art. 1919)

4.

it is created not only for the interest of the principal but also for the interest of third persons (Art. 1930)

XPN to the XPN: When the agent acts to defraud the principal. Q: What are the kinds of revocation?

Note: The list is not exclusive; May also be extinguished by the modes of extinguishment of obligations in general whenever they are applicable, like loss of the thing and novation.

A: Revocation may either be express or implied (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed. p. 590; Art. 1920)

Agency may be terminated: (1) by agreement (No.s 1 and 4); (2) by the subsequent acts of the parties which may be either: (a) by the act of both parties or by mutual consent; or (b) by unilateral act of one of them (Nos. 3 and 5; (3) by operation of law (Nos. 2 and 6). (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 574-575)

Q: How is agency impliedly revoked? A: Principal: 1. appoints a new agent for the same business or transaction (Art. 1923); 2. directly manages the business entrusted to the agent (Art. 1924); or 3. after granting general power of attorney to an agent, grants a special one to another agent which results in the revocation of the former as regards the special matter involved in the latter (Art. 1926)

Q: What is “presumption of continuance of agency”? A: It means that when once shown to have existed, an agency relation will be presumed to have continued, in the absence of anything which shows its termination. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 574))

Note: A special power of attorney is not revoked by a subsequent general power of attorney given to another agent, unless that the latter refers also to the act authorized under the special power (Tolentino, Civil Code of the Philippines, Vol. V, p. 436)

Q: What are the essential elements for continuance of agency? A: Both principal and agent must be: 1. Present 2. Capacitated 3. Solvent (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 575)

Q: How is agency revoked when the agent has been appointed by two or more principals?

Q: Can the heirs continue the agency?

A: Any one of the principals is granted the right to revoke the power of attorney without the consent of the others (Art. 1927)

A: GR: No.

Q: Is notice of revocation necessary?

Ratio: The agency calls for personal services on the part of the agent since it is founded on a fiduciary relationship; rights and obligations intransmissible.

A: 1.

XPNs: 1. Agency by operation of law, or a presumed or tacit agency 2. Agency is coupled with an interest in the subject matter of the agency (e.g. power of sale in a mortgage) 2.

Q: Is a contract of agency revocable? A: GR: Yes. Agency is revocable at will by the principal. XPNs: It cannot be revoked if: 1. a bilateral contract depends upon it 2. it is the means of fulfilling an obligation already contracted 3. a partner is appointed manager of a partnership and his termination is unjustifiable (Art. 1927)


As to the agent – Express notice is not always necessary; sufficient notice if the party to be notified actually knows, or has reason to know, a fact indicating that his authority has been terminated/suspended; revocation without notice to the agent will not render invalid an act done in pursuance of the authority (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 590) rd As to 3 persons – Express notice is necessary a. As to former customers – Actual notice must be given to them because they always assume the continuance of the agency relationship (Art. 1873) b. As to other persons – Notice by publication is enough (Art. 1922)

Note: There is implied revocation of the previous agency when the principal appoints a new agent for the same business or transaction, provided there is incompatibility. But the revocation does not become effective as between the principal and the agent until it is in some way communicated to the latter.

362

AGENCY Q: What are the kinds of withdrawal by the agent? Q: What is the effect of the direct management by the principal?

A: 1.

A: GR: The agency is revoked for there would no longer be any basis for the representation previously conferred. But the principal must act in good faith and not merely to avoid his obligation to the agent. 2. XPN: The only desire of the principal is for him and the agent to manage the business together. Q: Richard sold a large parcel of land in Cebu to Leo for P100 million payable in annual installments over a period of ten years, but title will remain with Richard until the purchase price is fully paid. To enable Leo to pay the price, Richard gave him a power-of-attorney authorizing him to subdivide the land, sell the individual lots, and deliver the proceeds to Richard, to be applied to the purchase price. Five years later, Richard revoked the power of attorney and took over the sale of the subdivision lots himself. Is the revocation valid or not? Why? (2001 Bar Question)

Without just cause – The law imposes upon the agent the duty to give due notice to the principal and to indemnify the principal should the latter suffer damage by reason of such withdrawal. With just cause – If the agent withdraws from the agency for a valid reasons (Art. 1929) as when the withdrawal is based on the impossibility of continuing with the agency without grave detriment to himself (Art. 1928) or is due to a fortuitous event (Art. 1174), the agent cannot be held liable. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 575) Note: Even if the agent withdraws from the agency for a valid reason, he must continue to act until the principal has had reasonable opportunity to take the necessary steps to meet the situation. (Art. 1929)

Q: What is the effect of death of a party to the contract of agency?

A: The revocation is not valid. The power of attorney given to the buyer is irrevocable because it is coupled with an interest – the agency is the means of fulfilling the obligation of the buyer to pay the price of the land (Art. 1927). In other words, a bilateral contract (contract to buy and sell the land) is dependent on the agency.

A: GR: The agency is terminated by the death of the principal even if the agency is for a definite period. (Art. 1919) XPNs: 1. If it has been constituted in common interest of the principal and the agent or in the interest of the third person who accepted the stipulation in his favor; (Art. 1930) or 2. Anything done by the agent, without the knowledge of the death of the principal or on any other cause which extinguishes the agency is valid and shall be fully effective with respect to third persons who may have contracted with him in good faith.

Q: Eduardo executed a SPA authorizing Zenaida to participate in the pre-qualification and bidding of a NIA project and to represent him in all transactions related thereto. It was granted to them. Zenaida leased Manuel’s heavy equipment to be used for the NIA project. Manuel interposed no objection to Zenaida’s actuations. Eduardo later revoked the SPA alleging that Zenaida acted beyond her authority in contracting with Manuel under the SPA. Records show that Eduardo and zenaida entered into a partnership in regard to the NIA project. Decide.

Note: The death of the principal extinguishes the agency; but in the same way that revocation of the agency does not prejudice third persons who have dealt with the agent in good faith without notice of the revocation (Art. 1921, 1922) such third persons are protected where it is not shown that the agent had knowledge of the termination of the agency because of the death of the principal or of any other cause which extinguishes the agency. (Hererra v. Luy Kim Guan, 1 SCRA 406)

A: Under Art. 1818, every partner is an agent of the partnership for the purpose of its business and each one may separately execute all acts of administration, unless, under Art. 1801, a specification of their respective duties has been agreed upon, or else it is stipulated that any one of them shall not act without the consent of all the others. As such, even granting that Zenaida exceeded the authority granted by the SPA, being a partner in the constituted partnership between her and Eduardo, she can still execute acts of administration absent any agreement that one cannot act without the consent of all others. (Mendoza v. Paule, G.R. No. 175885, Feb. 13, 2009.

Q: Is the sale of the land by the agent after the death of the principal valid? A: Article 1931 provides that an act done by the agent after the death of the principal is valid and effective if these two requisites concur: 1. that the agent acted without the knowledge of the death of the principal; and 2. that the third person who contracted with the agent himself acted in good faith.

Q: Can the agent withdraw from the agency? A: Yes. The agent may renounce or withdraw from the agency at any time, without the consent of the principal, even in violation of the latter’s contractual rights; subject to liability for breach of contract or for tort.

363


CIVIL LAW Good faith here means that the third person was not aware of the death of the principal at the time that he contracted with said agent (Rallos v. Felix Go Chan, G.R. No. L-24332, Jan. 31, 1978). Q: What is the effect of a change of circumstance surrounding the transaction? A: GR: The authority of the agent is terminated. XPNs: 1. If the original circumstances are restored within a reasonable period of time, the agent's authority may be revived; 2. Where the agent has reasonable doubts as to whether the principal would desire him to act, his authority will not be terminated if he acts reasonably; or Where the principal and agent are in close daily contact, the agent's authority to act will not terminate upon a change of circumstances if the agent knows the principal is aware of the change and does not give him new instructions. (De Leon, Comments and Cases on Partnership, Agency, and Trust, 2010 ed., p. 582)


364

COMPROMISE COMPROMISE

Q: Who should seek court’s approval before entering into a compromise?

DEFINITION A: The court’s approval is necessary in compromises entered into by: 1. Guardians 2. Parents 3. Absentee’s represenatatives 4. Administrators or executors of decedents’ estates. (Art. 2032)

Q: What is a compromise? A: A compromise is a contract whereby the parties, by making reciprocal concessions, avoid litigation or put an end to one already commenced. (Art. 2028) Q: What are the characteristics of a compromise?

Q: Can a juridical person enter into a compromise? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7.

Consensual Reciprocal Nominate Onerous Accessory (in the sense that a prior conflict is pre supposed) Once accepted, it is Binding on the parties, provided there is no vitiated consent (McCarthy v. Barber Steamship Lines, 45 Phil. 488). It is the Settlement of a controversy principally, and is but merely incidentally, the settlement of a claim. (Ibid)

A: Yes. Juridical persons may compromise only in the form and with the requisites which may be necessary to alienate their property. (Art. 2033) Q: Can there be a compromise on the criminal aspect of a crime? A: None. There may be a compromise upon the civil liability arising from an offense; but such compromise shall not extinguish the public action for the imposition of the legal penalty. (Art. 2034) VOID COMPROMISE

Q: What are the kinds of compromise? Q: When is a compromise void? A: 1. 2.

Judicial – to end a pending litigation Extrajudicial – to prevent a litigation from arising

A: CVA-FJF 1. Civil status of person 2. Validity of a marriage or a legal separation 3. Any ground for legal separation 4. Future support 5. Jurisdiction of courts 6. Future legitime (Art. 2035)

Q: What is the basic duty of a court whenever a suit is filed?

EFFECT A: The court shall endeavor to persuade the litigants in a civil case to agree upon some fair compromise. (Art. 2029)

Q: What is the effect if two parties enter into a compromise?

Q: What circumstances may a proceeding in a civil action be suspended? A: 1. 2.

A: It has the effect of res judicata. A compromise has upon the parties the effect and authority of res judicata. (Art. 2037)

If willingness to discuss a possible compromise is expressed by one or both parties; or If it appears that one of the parties, before the commencement of the action or proceeding, offered to discuss a possible compromise but the other party refused the offer. (Art. 2030)

Q: What requirement is necessary in order that a compromise be executed? A: In order that a compromise may be executed, there must be approval of the court. (Art 2037)

Q: X is indebted to Y in the amount of P50, 000 with the stipulation that the same shall earn interest at 40% per annum. When X failed to pay, Y sued him. In an effort to settle the case, X offered to pay the principal but begged for the reduction of the interest. Y refused, hence, trial was conducted. Can the judge reduce the rate of interest?

Q: When will a compromise become voidable? A: A compromise which there is a mistake, fraud, violence, intimidation, undue influence or falsity of documents. (Art. 2038) Note: However, one of the parties cannot set up a mistake of fact as against the other if the latter, by virtue of the compromise, has withdrawn from a litigation already commenced. (Art. 2038)

A: Yes. The courts may mitigate the damage to be paid by the losing party who has shown a sincere desire for a compromise. (Art. 2031)

365


CIVIL LAW Q: A and B entered into a compromise agreement. A week thereafter, B filed an action in court seeking to annul the compromise agreement contending that it is one-sided. Is the action proper?

parties who are duty bound to abide by it and observe strictly its terms and conditions”. (Esguerra v. CA, GR 119310, February 3, 1997))

A: No, because where the compromise is instituted and carried through in good faith, the fact that there was a mistake as to the law or as to the facts, except in certain cases where the mistake was mutual and correctible as such in equity, cannot afford a basis for setting aside a compromise. Compromises are favored without regard to the nature of the controversial compromise, and they cannot be set aside because the event shows all the gains have been on one side (Asong v. Intermediate Appellate Court, May 12, 1989). Note: if after litigation has been decided by a final judgment, a compromise should be agreed upon, either or both parties being unaware of the existence of the final judgment, the compromise may be rescinded. Ignorance of a judgment which may be revoked or set aside is not a valid ground or attacking a compromise. (Art. 2040)

Q: X and Y entered into a compromise agreement whereby X respected the ownership of Y over a part of a creek (now a fishpond). Is the agreement valid? A: No, because that is contrary to public policy and the law. The creek is a property belonging to the State; hence, it is part of public domain which is not susceptible to private appropriation and acquisition. (Maneclang v Intermediate Appellate Court, 161 SCRA 469 Q: X and Y entered into a compromise agreement, terminating a suit between them. X failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the same. What are the remedies of the aggrieved party? A: If one of the parties fails or refuses to abide by the compromise, the other party may either enforce the compromise, or regard it as rescinded and insist upon his original demand. (Art 2041). Q: What is the effect of a contract or a compromise even if it is disadvantageous to one of the parties? A: It is still a valid one. It is a long established doctrine that the law does not relieve a party from the effects of an unwise, foolish, or disastrous contract, entered into with all the required formalities and with full awareness of what he is doing. Courts have no power to relieve parties from obligations voluntarily assumed, simply because their contracts turned out to be disastrous deals or unwise investments. (Tanda v. Aldaya, 89 Phil. 497; Villacorte v. Mariano, 89 Phil. 341) It is a truism that “a compromise agreement entered into by party-litigants, when not contrary to law, public order, public policy, morals, or good customs is a valid contract which is the law between the parties themselves. It follows, therefore, that a compromise agreement, not tainted with infirmity, irregularity, fraud or illegality is the between the UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

366

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS CREDIT TRANSACTIONS

a.

Q: What is credit? b. A: It is a person’s ability to borrow money by virtue of confidence or trust reposed in him by the lender that he will pay what he may promise.

Onerous– This is a contract where there is consideration or burden imposed like interest. Gratuitous – This is a contract where there is no consideration or burden imposed. (e.g. commodatum)

Q: What is bailment? Q: What is credit transaction? A: It is the delivery of a personal property for some particular use, or on mere deposit, upon a contract, express or implied, that after the purpose has been fulfilled, it shall be redelivered to the person who delivered it, or otherwise dealt with according to his directions, or kept until he reclaims it, as the case may be.

A: It refers to an agreement based on trust or belief of someone on the ability of another person to comply with his obligations Q: What do credit transactions include?

Note: Generally, no fiduciary relationship is created by bailment. No trustee-beneficiary relationship is created.

A: It includes all transactions involving the purchase or loan of goods, service, or money in the present with a promise to pay or deliver in the future.

Q: Who are the parties in a contract of bailment?

Q: What is security?

A: 1.

A: It is something given, deposited, or serving as a means to ensure the fulfillment or enforcement of an obligation or of protecting some interest in the property.

2.

Q: What is the significance of credit?

Bailor- the giver; the party who delivers the possession or custody of the thing bailed Bailee-the recipient; the party who receives the possession or custody of the thing thus delivered

Q: What are the contractual bailments with reference to compensation?

A: By virtue of the use of credit, more exchanges are possible: persons are able to enjoy a thing today but pay it for later, and through the banking system, the transfer of actual money is eliminated by cancellation of debts and credits.

A: 1.

For the sole benefit of the bailor (gratuitous) e.g. gratuitous deposit, commodatum

Q: What are the kinds of credit transactions?

2.

For the sole benefit of the bailee (gratuitous) e.g. commodatum, mutuum

A: 1.

3.

For the benefit of both parties (mutual-benefit bailments)

2.

3.

As contracts of security a. Contracts of real security – These are contracts supported by collateral/s or burdened by an encumbrance on property such as mortgage and pledge b. Contracts of personal security – These are contracts where performance by the principal debtor is not supported by collateral/s but only by a promise to pay or by the personal undertaking or commitment of another person such as in surety or guaranty As to their existence a. Principal contracts– They can exist alone. Their existence does not depend on the existence of another contract (e.g. commodatum and mutuum) b. Accessory contracts – They have to depend on another contract. These accessory contracts depend on the existence of a principal contract of loa (e.g. guaranty proper, suretyship, pledge, mortgage and antichresis)

e.g. deposit for compensaton, involuntary deposit, pledge and bailments for hire: a. hire of things – temporary use b. hire of service – for work or labor c. hire of carriage of goods – for carriage d. hire of custody – for storage LOAN Q: What is loan? A: It is a contract where one of the parties delivers to another, either something not consumable so that the latter may use the same for a certain time and return it, in which case is called a commodatum; or money or other consumable things, upon the condition that the same amount of the same kind and quality shall be paid, in which case the contract is simply called a loan or mutuum (Art. 1933, NCC).

As to their consideration

367


CIVIL LAW Q: What are the kinds of loan? Q: Distinguish loan from: Credit Discount Rent or lease Barter Deposit

A: 1.

2.

Commodatum – where the bailor (lender) delivers to the bailee (borrower) a non-consumable thing so that the latter may use it for a given time and return the same thing (i.e. identical thing) Mutuum or Simple Loan – where the bailor (lender) delivers to the bailee (borrower) money or other consumable thing subject to the condition that the latter shall pay same amount of the same kind and quality

A: CREDIT Ability to borrow money by virtue of the confidence reposed by the lender unto him that he will pay what he has promised

Q: What could be the consideration in a contract of loan? A: 1. 2.

As to the borrower, the acquisition of the thing As to the lender, the right to demand its return or its equivalent.

DISCOUNT Interest is deducted in advance Always on double-name paper RENT The owner of property does not lose the ownership; he loses his control over the property rented during the period of contract Landlord-tenant relationship BARTER

Q: What may be the object of a contract of loan? A: It depends upon the kind of loan. 1. Commodatum – the object is generally not consumable; 2. Mutuum – the object is consumable. Q: Distinguish consumable from non-consumable things A: A thing is consumable when it cannot be used in a manner appropriate to its nature without being consumed (Art. 418) (e.g. food, firewood, gasoline). On the other hand, a non-consumable thing is a movable thing which can be used in a manner appropriate to its nature without it being consumed (Art. 418) (e.g. car, television, radio)

Subject matter are nonfungible things Always onerous

Q: Distinguish fungible from non-fungible things

There is a mutual sale resulting in the transfer of ownership on both sides

A: Fungible thing is one where the parties have agreed to allow the substitution of the thing given or delivered with an equivalent thing (3 Manresa 58). Non-fungible thing is one where the parties have the intention of having the same identical thing returned after the intended use (Ibid).

The parties do not return the things subject of the exchange

Note: As to whether a thing is consumable or not, it depends upon the nature of the thing.

DEPOSIT Safekeeping of the thing deposited. Generally, the depositary cannot use the thing deposited Depositor can demand the return of the thing deposited at any time Compensation not applicable to things deposited Relationship is one of depositor and depositary

As to whether it is fungible or not, it depends upon the intention of the parties. Fungibles are usually determined by number, weight or measure.

Q: Are non-fungible things irreplaceable? A: GR: Non-fungible things are irreplaceable. They must be returned to the lender after the purpose of the loan had been accomplished. XPN: Non-fungible things may be replaced by agreement of the parties. In such case, the contract is barter and not loan UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

368

LOAN Delivery by one party and the receipt by the other party of a given sum of money, upon an agreement, expressed or implied, to repay the sum loaned, with or without interest LOAN Interest is taken at the expiration of a credit Generally on a singlename paper LOAN The thing loaned becomes the property of the obligor Obligor-obligee relationship LOAN Subject matter is money or other fungible things May be gratuitous or onerous In mutuum, there is transfer of ownership, there is no sale In commodatum, the bailee returns the thing after the expiration of the period agreed upon LOAN Lender grants the borrower the use of the thing learned Generally, borrower pays at the end of the period Compensation credits applicable

of

Relationship is one of lender and borrower; or creditor and debtor

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Q: What is the legal effect of an accepted promise to deliver something by way of mutuum or simple loan?

Q: What may be the object of commodatum? A: Both movable and immovable property may be the object of commodatum (Art. 1937, NCC).

A: It is binding upon the parties, but the mutuum or simple loan itself shall not be perfected until the delivery of the object of the contract (Art. 1934, NCC).

Q: May the bailee in commodatum use the fruits of the thing loaned?

Q: What is the effect if the loan is for an unlawful purpose?

A: GR: The fruits of the property shall pertain to the bailor or owner. The bailor does not enjoy the fruits (Art. 1935).

A: If the loan is executed for illegal or immoral or unlawful purpose or use, the contract is void. The bailor may immediately recover the thing before any illegal act is committed and provided he is innocent or in good faith (Arts. 1411 and 1412, NCC).

XPN: If there is a stipulation in the contract allowing the bailee to enjoy the fruits of the thing loaned, the stipulation shall be valid (Art. 1940). Q: What are the kinds of commodatum?

COMMODATUM AND MUTUUM A: COMMODATUM

1.

Ordinary commodatum – bailor cannot just demand the return of the thing at will, because there is a period agreed upon by the parties.

2.

Precarium – one whereby the bailor may demand the thing loaned at will in the following cases: a. if the duration of the contract had not been stipulated; b. if the use to which the thing loaned should be devoted had not been stipulated; or c. if the use of the thing is merely by tolerance of the owner

Q: What is commodatum? A: It is a contract where one of the parties (bailor) delivers to another (bailee) something not consumable so that the latter may use the same for a certain time and thereafter returns it. Q: What are the characteristics of a contract of commodatum? A: 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6.

Real contract – delivery of the thing loaned is necessary for the perfection of the contract Unilateral contract – once subject matter is delivered, it creates obligations on the part of only one of the parties (the borrower) Essentially gratuitous Purpose is to transfer the temporary use of the thing loaned Principal contract Purely personal contract

Note: The word “owner” in Art. 1947 (2) is not proper because the bailor need not be the owner of the thing (Pineda, Credit Transactions and Quasi contracts, p. 26, 2006 ed, Art. 1938).

Q: What are the consequences of the purely personal character of commodatum? A: GR: Commodatum is purely personal in character hence death of either bailor or bailee extinguishes the contract (Art. 1939, NCC)

Q: What are the elements of commodatum?

XPN: By stipulation, the commodatum is transmitted to the heirs of either or both party.

A: There must be: 1. a bailor and bailee 2. the bailee acquires the use of the thing 3. it must be gratuitous

In case of lease of the thing subject of commodatum: GR: The bailee can neither lend nor lease the object of the contract to a third person.

Q: What could be the subject of commodatum?

XPN: Members of the bailee’s household may make use of the thing loaned.

A: GR: Under Art. 1933, the subject matter of commodatum must be non-consumable because the thing must be returned.

Note: Members of the bailee’s household are not considered as third persons.

XPN: Consumable goods may be the object of commodatum if the purpose is not to consume them such as when they were loaned merely for ad ostentationem or exhibition purposes. After the affair, the same and identical goods shall be returned to the lender or bailor (Art. 1936, NCC).

XPN to the XPN: Contrary stipulation; or Nature of the thing forbids such use. Note: Household members are those permanently living or residing within the same residence including the household helpers.

369


CIVIL LAW Q: Distinguish commodatum from lease.

bailor remains the owner

A:

XPNs: use of the fruits is stipulated; enjoyment of the fruits is stipulated; or enjoyment of the fruits is incidental to its use Subject Matter Real or personal property

COMMODATUM Real contract Object is a non-consumable and non fungible thing Essentially gratuitous If the bailor is not aware of the flaws, he is not liable for the resulting danger caused by such.

LEASE Consensual Object may even be work or service Onerous Provisions governing warranty are made applicable

Generally non-consumable Only personal property things but may cover consumables if the purpose of the contract is for exhibition. Ownership of the thing Retained by the bailor Passes to the debtor Thing to be returned Equal amount of the Exact thing loaned same kind and quality Who bears risk of loss Bailor Debtor When to return In case of urgent need even before the expiration of term Only after the expiration (the contract is in the of the term meantime suspended) Contract Contract of use Contract of consumption

MUTUUM Q: What is mutuum? A: It is a contract whereby one of the parties called the “lender” delivers to another called the “borrower”, money or other consumable thing subject to the condition that the same amount of the same kind and quantity shall be paid.

Q: What are the characteristics of a contract of mutuum? A: 1. 2.

3.

Borrower acquires ownership of the thing (Art 1953). If the thing loaned is money, payment must be made in the currency which is legal tender in the Philippines and in case of extraordinary deflation or inflation, the basis of payment shall be the value of the currency at the time of the creation of the obligation (Art 1249 and 1250). If fungible thing was loaned, the borrower is obliged to pay the lender another thing of the same kind, quality and quantity even if it should change in value.

Q: Distinguish mutuum from Lease and barter A: MUTUUM Object is money or any consumable (fungible) thing There is transfer of ownership Creditor-debtor relationship Unilateral

Note: Mere issuance of checks does not perfect the contract of loan. It is only after the checks have been encashed that the contact may be deemed perfected. Further, when the movable thing delivered in loan is not to be returned to the bailor, but may be substituted or replaced with another equivalent thing, it is a fungible thing.

MUTUUM Subject matter is money or other fungible things May be gratuitous or onerous While in mutuum, there is transfer of ownership, there is no sale The money or consumable thing loaned is not returned but the same amount of the same kind and quantity shall be paid.

Q: Distinguish commodatum from mutuum A: COMMODATUM

MUTUUM Object Non-consumable and Non- Money or consumable fungible thing Cause Gratuitous, otherwise it is a May or may not be lease gratuitous Purpose Use or temporary possession of the thing loaned but Consumption GR: not its fruit because the UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

370

LEASE Object may be any thing, whether movable or immovable, fungible or non-fungible No transfer of ownership Lessor-lessee relationship Bilateral BARTER Subject matter are nonfungible things Always onerous There is a mutual sale resulting in the transfer of ownership on both sides The parties do not return the things subject of the exchange

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Q: Can estafa be committed by a person who refuses to pay his debt or denies its existence?

Q: What is the cause in a simple loan? A: 1. 2.

A: No, because the debtor in mutuum becomes the owner of the thing delivered to him. If he consumed or disposed of the thing, the act which is an act of ownership is not misappropriation. Hence, there is no basis for a criminal prosecution.

As to the borrower – the acquisition of the thing As to the lender – the right to demand the return of the thing loaned or its equivalent (Monte de Piedad v. Javier, CA, 36 Off. Gaz. 2176).

Q: What may be the object of mutuum?

Q: Does destruction of the thing loaned extinguish one’s obligation in a simple loan?

A: Money or fungible and consumable things. A: The destruction of the thing loaned does not extinguish one’s obligation to pay because his obligation is not to return the thing loaned but to pay a generic thing.

Q: Can loan of money be payable in kind? A: Yes, if there is an agreement between the parties (Art. 1958, NCC).

Q: Who are the parties to a commodatum? Distinguish.

Q: When is a contract of simple loan perfected?

A: 1.

A: Real contracts, such as deposit, pledge and commodatum, are not perfected until the delivery of the object of the obligation. (Art. 1316, NCC) While mutuum or simple loan is not mentioned, it has the same character as commodatum. Hence, mutuum is also a real contract which cannot be perfected until the delivery of the object.

2.

Bailor/Comodatario/Commodans – the giver/ lender the party who delivers the possession or custody of the thing bailed. Bailee/Comodante/Commodatarius – the recipient/ borrower - the party who receives the possession or custody of the thing thus delivered. OBLIGATIONS OF THE BAILOR

Q: What is the binding effect of an accepted promise to lend?

Q: What are the obligations of the bailor?

A: An accepted promise to make a future loan is a consensual contract and therefore, binding upon the parties but it is only after delivery, will the real contract of loan arise.

A: 1. Allow the bailee the use of the thing loaned for the duration of the period stipulated or until the accomplishment of the purpose. 2. Refund the extraordinary expenses the bailee incurred for the preservation of the thing.

Q: What are the governing rules on payment of loan? A: It depends on the object of the contract of loan.

GR: The bailee must bring to the knowledge of the bailor such expenses before incurring the same.

Money – governed by Arts. 1249 and 1250, NCC XPN: In case there is urgency and delay would cause imminent danger.

GR: Payment shall be made in the currency stipulated.

Note: If the extraordinary expenses arise on the occasion of the actual use of the thing loaned by the bailee, the expenses shall be borne by the bailor and bailee equally, even though the bailee is without fault (Art. 1949, NCC)

XPN: If not, that currency which is legal tender in the Philippines. Note: In case of extraordinary inflation – value of the currency at the time of the creation of the obligation.

3. 4.

Consumable or fungible thing – debtor or borrower shall pay another thing of the same kind, quality and quantity even if it should change in value. If cannot be done, the value of the thing at the time of its perfection (delivery) shall be the basis of the payment of the loan (Art 1955).

To be liable for damages for known hidden defects. Cannot exempt himself from payment of expenses or damages by abandonment of the thing to bailee.

Q: When is the bailor liable for hidden defects? A: When the following requisites are present: 1. there was a flaw or defect in the thing loaned; 2. the flaw or defect is hidden; 3. the bailor is aware thereof; 4. he does not advise the bailee of the same; and 5. the bailee suffers damages by reason of said flaw or defect.

Q: May a person be imprisoned for non-payment of debt? A: No. This is because of the constitutional provision under Article III, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution which expressly provides that no person shall be imprisoned for non-payment of a debt or poll tax.

371


CIVIL LAW Q: What is the cause of action against the bailor who did not disclose the flaw or defect?

Q: Must the bailor be the owner of the thing loaned?

A: Action for recovery of damages on the ground of quasidelict because of negligence or bad faith.

A: No. The bailor in commodatum need not be the owner of the thing loaned. It is sufficient that he has possessory interest over subject matter (Art. 1938, NCC).

Q: What is the effect if both parties are aware of the flaws or defects?

Note: A mere lessee or usufructuary may gratuitously give the use of the thing leased or in usufruct, provided there is no prohibition against such.

A: The bailee is deemed to have assumed a risk. The bailor is not liable for the damages suffered by the bailee by reason thereof.

BAILEE Q: What is the nature of liability of two or more bailees to a contract of commodatum?

RIGHTS OF A BAILOR Q: Can the bailor demand the return of thing loaned anytime he pleases?

A: When there are 2 or more bailees to whom a thing is loaned in the same contract, they are liable solidarily. (Art. 1945, NCC)

A: GR: No. The return of the thing loaned may be demanded by the bailor only (1) after the expiration of the period stipulated or (2) after the accomplishment of the use for which it is constituted.

Note: Their liability is solidary in order to protect the bailor’s rights over the thing loaned.

Q: Following the principle of autonomy of contracts, may the parties to a contract of commodatum validly stipulate that the liability of the bailees shall be joint?

XPNs: 1. In case of urgent need by the bailor 2. In case of precarium 3. If the bailee commits an act of ingratitude specified in Article 765 to the bailor (Art. 1948), to wit: a. If the bailee should commit some offenses against the person, honor or the property of the bailor, or his wife or children under his parental authority; b. If the bailee imputes to the bailor any criminial offense, or any act involving moral turpitude, even though he should prove it, unless the crime or the act has been committed against the bailee, his wife or children under his authority; or c. If the bailee unduly refuses the bailor support when the bailee is legally or morally bound to give support to the bailor.

A: No. Article 1245 expressly provides that in a contract of commodatum, when there are two or more bailees to whom a thing is loaned in the same contract, they are liable solidarily. It constitutes as an exception to the general rule of “joint obligations” where there are two or more debtors, who concur in one and same obligation under Articles 1207 and 1208. Solidarity is provided to safeguard effectively the rights of the bailor over the thing loaned. OBLIGATIONS OF THE BAILEE Q: What are the obligations of a bailee? A: As to ordinary expenses

Note: The rationale for the application of Art. 765 which refers to donations is the fact that commodatum, like donation, is gratuitous in nature.

Q: If the contract of commodatum is a precarium, will Art. 1942 (1) and (2) still apply? A: It depends. If there has been a demand on the part of the bailor before the loss of the thing under the circumstances set forth under Art. 1942 (1) and (2) and the bailee did not return the thing, then the latter is liable. However, if there has been no demand on the part of the bailor and the thing was lost, the bailor is estopped and cannot hold the bailee liable for under a contract of precarium, the use of the thing by the bailee depends on the pleasure of the bailor and no time is fixed for such use. Hence, demand on the part of the bailor is needed for the return of the thing. Without such, loss of the thing on the hands of the bailee will not make him liable.


As to the loss of the thing in case of fortuitous event

372

Pay for the ordinary expenses for the use and preservation of the thing Liable for loss even through fortuitous event when [ask-dl]: 1. when being able to save either of the thing borrowed or his own thing, he chose to save the latter 2. he keeps it longer than the period stipulated, or after the accomplishment of its use (in default); 3. the thing loaned has been delivered with appraisal of its value 4. when he lends or leases it to third persons who are not members of his household

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS

As to the deterioration of the thing loaned

Q: Will the stipulation that the bailee may make use of the fruits of the thing loaned impair the essence of commodatum?

5. there is deviation from the purpose Not liable for the deterioration of the thing loaned caused by the ordinary wear and tear of the thing loaned. (Art. 1943)

A: No. It will not impair the essence of commodatum because the actual cause or consideration therefore is still the liberality of the bailor or lender.

Note: When there are two or more bailees, their liability is solidary.

Q: Is there right of retention in commodatum?

RIGHTS OF A BAILEE

A: GR: No. The bailee cannot retain the thing loaned on the ground that the bailor owes the bailee.

Q: What are the rights of a bailee? XPN: The bailee has the right of retention for claims of damages which the bailee incurred or suffered by reason of the hidden defects or flaws of the thing loaned, of which he was not informed or advised by the bailor.

A: FRUD -Use of the thing; -Make use of the fruits of the thing when such right is stipulated in the contract; -Not answerable for the deterioration of the thing loaned due to the use thereof and without his fault; and -Right of retention for damages due to hidden defects or flaws of the thing of which he was not advised by the bailor.

Note: The reason for the general rule that there is no right of retention is that “bailment implies a trust that as soon as the time has expired or the purpose accomplished, the bailed property must be returned to the bailor.” Also, Art. 1287 provides that compensation shall not be proper when one of the debts arises from the obligations of a bailee in commodatum (Art. 1287, reworded)

Q: Art. 1178 of the NCC provides that all rights acquired by virtue of an obligation are transmissible. Is the right to use the thing by virtue of a contract of commodatum transmissible?

Q: Suppose during the said retention of the bailee by reason of hidden defects, the thing is lost due to a fortuitous event. Can the bailor hold the bailee liable for said loss based on Art.1942 (2)?

A: No, it is not transmissible for 2 reasons:

A: No, the bailee cannot be held liable for the loss. Art. 1942 (2) contemplates wrongful retention or a situation where the bailee is not entitled to retain the thing loaned.

-Art. 1178 provides that the transmissibility of said acquired rights are either subject to the laws or to a contrary sipulation; and -Art. 1939 provides that a contract of commodatum is purely personal in character.

Note: Article 1942 (2) provides that the bailee is liable for the loss of the thing, even if it should be through a fortuitous event if he keeps it longer than the period stipulated, or after the accomplishment of the use for which the commodatum has been constituted.

Note: To rule otherwise would be to run counter to the purely personal character of the commodatum and to the proviso that transmissibility is subject to the law governing such obligations.

Q: What if the bailee is entitled to payment or reimbursement of expenses incurred or damages suffered and the bailor offers the thing loaned as payment for said expenses or damages, would such offer be valid or not, in view of the prohibition under Art. 1952 which states that the bailor cannot exempt himself from the payment of expenses or damages by abandoning the thing to the bailee?

Q: What is the legal effect if the bailee pays for the use of the thing? A: The contract ceases to be commodatum; it becomes lease. Q: In commodatum, does the bailee acquire the use of the fruits of the thing?

A: The offer is not valid.It may be considered as dation in payment. In this case, the abandonment done by the bailor was made in favor of the bailee for the payment of the expenses incurred by the latter, hence, a violation of what the law has expressly prohibited under Article 1952.

A: No. The bailee in commodatum acquires only the use of the thing loaned but not its fruits (Art. 1935, NCC). Q: Is a stipulation that the bailee may make use of the fruits of the thing loaned valid?

Q: When is the bailee not entitled to reimbursement for the expenses he incurred?

A: Yes. It is understood that the enjoyment of the fruits must only be incidental to the use of the thing. It should not be the main cause; otherwise, the contract is not a commodatum but a usufruct (Art. 1940, NCC).

A: If, for the purpose of making use and preservation of the thing, the bailee incurs expenses other than those ordinary and extraordinary expenses.

373


CIVIL LAW Q: Before he left for Riyadh to work as a mechanic, Pedro left his van with Tito, with the understanding that the latter could use it for one year for his personal or family use while Pedro works in Riyadh. He did not tell Tito that the brakes of the van were faulty. Tito had the van tuned up and the brakes repaired. He spent a total amount of P15,000.00. After using the vehicle for two weeks, Tito discovered that it consumed too much fuel. To make up for the expenses, he leased it to Annabelle. Two months later, Pedro returned to the Philippines and asked Tito to return the van.

Q: What is the rule on interests? A: GR: No interest shall be due unless it is stipulated in writing. (Art. 1956, NCC) XPN: In case of interest on damages or indemnity for damages, it need not be in writing. Q: What is the basis of the right to interest? A: It only arises by reason of the contract (stipulation in writing) for the use of money or by reason of delay or failure to pay principal on which interest is demanded due to a breach of an obligation (Baretto v. Santa Marina, No. 11908, feb. 4, 1918).

Unfortunately, while being driven by Tito, the van was accidentally damaged by a cargo truck without his fault. Who shall bear the P15,000.00 spent for the repair of the van? Explain.

If the obligation consists of the payment of a sum of money, and the debtor incurs delay, the indemnity for damages shall be the payment of legal interest (Philrock, Inc. v. Construction Industry Arbitration Commission, G.R. Nos. 132848-49, June 25, 2001)

A: The contract between Pedro and Tito is one of commodatum. Of the P15, 000.00 spent, Pedro, the bailor, shall bear the expenses for the repair of the faulty brakes, they being extraordinary expenses incurred due to the nondisclosure by the bailor of the defect or fault; Tito, on the other hand, shall shoulder "that part of the P15,000.00 spent for the tune-up”, said expense being ordinary for the use and preservation of the van.

Q: Can there be interest in equitable mortgage? A: No. Interest could not be collected on equitable mortgage because the same is not stipulated in writing (Tan v. Valdehueza, G.R. No. L-38745, Aug. 6, 1975).

Q: Who shall bear the costs for the van's fuel, oil and other materials while it was with Tito? Explain. (2005 Bar Question)

Note: One which, although it lacks the proper formalities or other requisites of a mortgage required by law, nevertheless reveals the intention of the parties to burden real property as a security for a debt, and contains nothing impossible or contrary to law.

A: The costs for the fuel and other materials are considered ordinary expenses, and consequently Tito, the bailee, shall shoulder them (Art. 1941, NCC)

Q: Can paid unstipulated interest be recovered? A: If paid by mistake the debtor may recover as in the case of solutio indebiti or undue payment. However if payment is made voluntarily, no recovery can be made as in the case of natural obligation. (Art. 1960)

Q: Does Pedro have the right to retrieve the van even before the lapse of one year? Explain. (2005 Bar Question) A: No, Pedro cannot demand the return of the van until after the expiration of the one-year period stipulated. However, if in the meantime he should have urgent need of the van, he may demand its return or temporary use.

Q: Siga-an granted a loan to Villanueva in the amount of P540,000.00. Such agreement was not reduced to writing. Siga-an demanded interest which was paid by Villanueva in cash and checks. The total amount Villanueva paid accumulated to P1,200,000.00. Upon advice of her lawyer, Villanueva demanded for the return of the excess amount of P660,000.00 which was ignored by Siga-an. 1. Is the payment of interest valid? 2. Is solutio indebiti applicable? Explain. (2012 Bar Question)

Q: Who shall bear the expenses for the accidental damage caused by the cargo truck, granting that the truck driver and truck owner are insolvent? Explain. (2005 Bar Question) A: Both Tito and Pedro shall bear equally the costs of the extraordinary expenses, having been incurred on the occasion of actual use of the van by Tito, the bailee, even though he acted without fault. [Art. 1949(2), NCC]

A: 1. No. Payment of monetary interest is allowed only if:

INTEREST AND THE SUSPENSION OF THE USURY LAW

a. there was an express stipulation for the payment of interest; and

Q: What is interest? A: It is the compensation to be paid by the borrower for the use of the money lent to him by the lender.


b. the agreement for the payment of interest was reduced in writing.

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CREDIT TRANSACTIONS The concurrence of the two conditions is required for the payment of monetary interest. Thus, collection of interest without any stipulation therefor in writing is prohibited by law.

indemnity for damages at the rate stipulated by the parties or if rate is not stipulated, at the legal rate of 12% per annum in case of loan or forbearance of money, goods and credit otherwise, at the rate of 6% per annum even in the absence of stipulation for the payment of interest. Such interest as indemnity for damages is payable only in case of default or nonperformance of contract.

2. Yes. The quasi-contract of solutio indebiti harks back to the ancient principle that no one shall enrich himself unjustly at the expense of another.The principle of solutio indebiti applies where (1) a payment is made when there exists no binding relation between the payor, who has no duty to pay, and the person who received the payment; and (2) the payment is made through mistake, and not through liberality or some other cause. We have held that the principle of solutio indebiti applies in case of erroneous payment of undue interest (Siga-an v. Villanueva, G.R. No. 173227, Jan. 20, 2009.)

Note: If the obligation consists in the payment of a sum of money and the debtor incurs in delay, the debtor is liable for damages. (Art. 2209, NCC)

Q: What is the basis for the interest rate for compensatory interest? A: 1.

Q: May interest be adjudged on unliquidated claims? A: GR: No. XPN:Unless the same can be established with reasonable certainty (Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company of Manila, Inc. v. CA, G.R. Nos. 114841-42, Aug. 23, 1995)

Note: During the interim period from the date of judgment until actual payment.

d.

Q: In case the interest may be adjudged on unliquidated claim but the pleadings in court did not spell out said amount with certitude, when shall legal interest thereon run?

2.

A: The legal interest thereon shall run only from the promulgation of judgment of said court, it being at that stage that the quantification of damages may be deemed to have been reasonably ascertained. (Ibid)

3.

Q: What is the actual base for computing such legal interest? A: It shall be the amount as finally adjudged by the Supreme Court. (Ibid)

2. 3.

2.

Art. 2209, NCC – 6% per annum in cases of: a. Other sources (i.e. sale) b. Damages arising from injury from person. c. Loss of property which does not involve a loan. Interest accruing from unpaid interest (compound interest) – there must first be a stipulation for payment of interest due and this shall earn interest from the time it is judicially demanded although the obligation may be silent upon this point.

A: It signifies the contractual obligation of the creditor to forbear during a given period of time to require the debtor payment of an existing debt then due and payable. Such forbearance of giving time for the payment of a debt is, in substance, a loan (91 C.J.S. 598).

Simple – interest which is paid for the use of the money, at a certain rate stipulated in writing by the parties. Compound – interest which is imposed upon accrued interest, that is, the interest due and unpaid. Legal – that interest which the law directs to be paid in the absence of any agreement as to the rate.

Q: What is the interest rate imposable for back rentals? A: Back rentals being equivalent to a loan or forbearance of money, the interest rate due thereon is 12% per annum from the time of extra-judicial demand (Catungal v. Hao, G.R. No. 134972, Mar. 22, 2001).

Q: When can there be: 1. Monetary interest; 2. Compensatory interest? A: 1.

In the absence of a stipulation as to interest, the loan due will now earn interest at the legal rate of 12% per annum. (Sulit v. CA, G.R. No. 119247, Feb. 17, 1997).

Q: What is forbearance?

Q: What are the classes of interest? A: 1.

Central Bank Circular 416 – 12% per annum in cases of: a. Loans b. Forbearance of money, goods and credits c. Judgement involving such loan or forbearance

Note: Back rental is the full extended value of land let by lease, payable by tenant for life or years.

Monetary interest must be expressly stipulated in writing and it must be lawful. (Art. 1956, NCC)

Q: What is the rule on compounding of interest? A: GR: Accrued interest (interest due and unpaid) shall not earn interest.

Indemnity for damages (compensatory interest) – the debtor in delay is liable to pay legal interest as

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CIVIL LAW XPN: When: 1. judicially demanded; or 2. there is express stipulation made by the parties – that the interest due and unpaid shall be added to the principal obligation and the resulting total amount shall earn interest.

the debtor incurs in delay, he has to pay interest by way of damages (Angel Jose Warehousing v. Chelda Enterprises, 23 SCRA 119). Q: What is the rationale behind the invalidity of unconscionable Interest rate in a loan despite the suspension of the Usury law?

Note: Compounding of interest may be availed only when there is a written stipulation in the contract for the payment of interest.

A: The Supreme Court said nothing in said circular (Circular 905) suspending Usury Law grants lender authority to raise interest rates to levels which will either enslave their borrowers or lead to a hemorraghing of their assets (Almeda v. CA, G.R. No. 113412, Apr. 17, 1996)

Q: What is floating interest? A: It is the interest stipulated by banks which is not fixed and made to depend upon the prevailing market conditions, considering the fluctuating economic conditions.

In the case of Medel v. CA, G.R. No. 131622, Nov. 27, 1998, the court ruled that while stipulated interest of 5.5% per month on a loan is usurious pursuant to CBC No. 905, the same must be equitably reduced for being iniquitous, unconscionable and exorbitant. It is contrary to morals. It was reduced to 12% per annum in consonant with justice and fairplay.

Q: Is a stipulation for floating interest valid? A: No. A stipulation for a floating rate of interest in a letter of credit in which there is no reference rate set either by it or by the Central Bank, leaving the determination thereof to the sole will and control of the lender bank is invalid. While it may be acceptable for practical reasons given the fluctuating economic conditions for banks to stipulate that interest rates on a loan not be fixed and instead be made dependent on prevailing market conditions, there should be a reference rate upon which to peg such variable interest rates (Consolidated Bank and Trust Corp. (Solid Bank) v. CA, G.R. No. 114672, Apr. 19, 2001).

The Court had previously tagged a 5% monthly interest rate agreed upon as “excessive, iniquitous, unconscionable and exorbitant, contrary to morals, and the law.” We need not unsettle the principle we had affirmed in a plethora of cases that stipulated interest rates of 3% per month and higher are excessive, iniquitous, unconscionable, and exorbitant (Arthur F. Mechavez vs. Marlyn M, Bermudez, G.R. No. 185368, Oct. 11, 2012).

Q: In an action for Recovery of damages for injury to person and loss of property, a judgment was rendered ordering the defendant Mark to pay Ron with legal interest of 12% from the filing of the complaint until paid. The decision became final and executory. Christopher argues that the rate of 12% under Central Bank Circular 416 was misapplied. How much by way of legal interest should a judgment debtor pay the judgment creditor?

Q: Samuel borrowed P300,000.00 housing loan from the bank at 18% per annum interest. However, the promissory note contained a proviso that the bank "reserves the right to increase interest within the limits allowed by law." By virtue of such proviso, over the objections of Samuel, the bank increased the interest rate periodically until it reached 48% per annum. Finally, Samuel filed an action questioning the right of the bank to increase the interest rate up to 48%. The bank raised the defense that the Central Bank of the Philippines had already suspended the Usury Law. Will the action prosper or not? Why? (2001 Bar Question)

A: The legal interest rate of 6% per annum will apply. The judgments spoken of and referred to under Central Bank Circular 416 are judgments in litigations involving loans or forbearances of money, goods or credits. Any other kind of monetary judgments which has nothing to do with, or involving loans or forbearance of any money goods or credits does not fall within the coverage of said law. Coming to the case at bar, the decision herein sought to be executed is one rendered in an Action for Damages for injury to persons and loss of property and does not involve any loan, much less forbearances of any money, goods or credits (Reformina v. Tomol, 139 SCRA 260).

A: The action will prosper. While it is true that the interest ceilings set by the Usury Law are no longer in force, it has been held that PD No. 1684 and CB Circular No. 905 merely allow contracting parties to stipulate freely on any adjustment in the interest rate on a loan or forbearance of money but do not authorize a unilateral increase of the interest rate by one party without the other's consent (PNB v. CA, G.R. No. 107569, Nov. 8, 1994). To say otherwise will violate the principle of mutuality of contracts under Article 1308 of the Civil Code. To be valid, therefore, any change of interest must be mutually agreed upon by the parties (Dizon v. Magsaysay, G.R. No. L-23399, May 31, 1974). In the present problem, the debtor not having given his consent to the increase in interest, the increase is void.

Q: What is the effect of a usurious transaction? A: The principal debt remaining without stipulation for payment of interest can still be recovered by judicial action. In case of such demand, and the debtor incurs in delay, the debt earns interest from the date of the demand. Such interest is not due to stipulation, for the imposition of a usurious interest void. Rather, it is due to the general provision of law that in obligations to pay money, where


376

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS DEPOSIT

or may be immovable fungible thing (judicial) Relationship Depositor-depositary Lender-borrower Compensation No compensation of things deposited with There can be each other (except by compensation of credits mutual agreement)

Q: What is deposit? A: It is a contract whereby a person (depositor) delivers a thing to another (depositary), for the principal purpose of safekeeping it, with the obligation of returning it when demanded. Q: When is a contract of deposit constituted?

DEPOSIT

COMMODATUM Principal Purpose Transfer of use Safekeeping Use of the thing Nature May be gratuitous or Always gratuitous onerous

A: From the moment a person receives a thing belonging to another, with the obligation of safely keeping it and returning the same upon demand. Q: What are the characteristics of contract of deposit? A: 1.

Real contract – because it can only be perfected by the delivery of the object of the contract.

DEPOSIT

AGENCY Purpose Representation of the Safekeeping principal by the agent Reason for custody of the thing The custody of the thing is the principal It is merely an incidental and essential reason obligation of the agent for the deposit Nature It is generally onerous or Essentially gratuitous for compensation

However, an agreement to constitute a future deposit is a consensual contract and is therefore binding. Note: There is no consensual contract of deposit; there is only a consensual promise to deliver which is binding if such is accepted.

2.

Object of the contract must be a movable property. However, in cases of judicial deposit, the subject matter may be a real property.

3.

Purpose is for the safekeeping of the thing deposited. This must be the principal purpose and not only secondary.

4.

It is gratuitous, unless there is a: a. Contrary agreement; or b. The depositary is engaged in the business of storing goods, like a warehouseman. (Art. 1965)

5.

The depositary cannot use the thing deposited, unless: a. Permitted by the depositor; or b. Preservation of the thing requires its use, but only for said purpose.

DEPOSIT

LEASE Principal Purpose Safekeeping Use of the thing When to return Upon demand of the Upon termination of depositor the lease contract. DEPOSIT

SALE Ownership Retained by depositor. Transferred to buyer. Q: What is the nature of advance payment in a contract of sale?

Q: Distinguish deposit from: 1. Mutuum; 2. Commodatum; 3. Agency; 4. Lease; and 5. Sale.

A: A so called deposit of an advance payment in the case of a sale is not the deposit contemplated under Art. 1962. It is that advance payment upon which ownership is transferred to the seller once it is given subject to the completion of payment by the buyer under an agreement (Cruz v. Auditor General, No. L-12233, May 30, 1959).

A: DEPOSIT

MUTUUM Purpose Safekeeping/custody Consumption When to return Upon expiration of the Upon demand of the term granted to the depositor borrower Subject Matter Movable (extrajudicial) Money or other

Q: Is a contract of deposit gratuitous? A: GR: A contract of deposit is generally gratuitous. XPNs: 1.

377

Agreement to the contrary by the parties


CIVIL LAW 2.

3. 4.

When the depositary is engaged in the business of storing goods (warehouseman) for compensation and not out of pure generosity If the parties agreed that compensation be paid Where the property is saved from destruction without knowledge of the owner, the latter is bound to pay the other person just compensation (as in case of involuntary deposit)

abandoning the ruling in Sia v. CA, making it conform with the General Banking Law of 2000. Fixed, savings and current deposits in banks and other similar institutions are not true deposits but are considered simple loans because they earn interest. (Art. 1980, NCC) Q: Is ownership necessary in a contract of deposit?

Q: What are the kinds of deposit? A: 1. 2.

A: No. The depositor need not be the owner of the thing deposited because the purpose of the contract is safekeeping and not transfer of ownership.

Judicial (sequestration) Extra-judicial a. Voluntary – the delivery is made by the will of the depositor (Art. 2005) b. Necessary – made in compliance with a legal obligation, or on the occasion of any calamity, or by travelers in hotels and inns, or by travelers with common carriers (Art. 1996)

Note: A deposit may also be made by two or more persons each of whom believes himself entitled to the thing deposited with a third person, who shall deliver it in a proper case to the one to whom it belongs.

PARTIES TO A CONTRACT OF DEPOSIT Q: Who are the parties to a contract of deposit?

Q: Distinguish judicial from extra-judicial deposit?

A: 1. 2.

A: JUDICIAL

EXTRA-JUDICIAL Creation

Will of the court

Q: May the depositary change the manner of the deposit?

Will of the contracting parties

A: Yes, if he may reasonably presume that the depositor would consent to the change if the latter knew of the facts of the situation. However, before the depositary may make such change, he shall notify the depositor thereof and wait for his decision, unless delay would cause danger (Art. 1974, NCC).

Purpose Security or to ensure the right of a party to property Custody and safekeeping or to recover in case of favorable judgment Subject Matter Movables or immovables Movables only but generally immovables Cause Generally gratuitous but Always onerous may be compensated When must the thing be returned Upon order of the court or Upon demand of depositor when litigation is ended In whose behalf it is held Depositor or third person Person who has a right designated

Q: What is the degree of care required? A: The depositary shall observe the diligence of a good father of a family in the performance of his obligations to protect and preserve the thing deposited, unless a higher degree of diligence is stipulated by the parties. Q: Is a guardian a depositary of the ward’s property? A: The guardian is not holding the funds of the ward merely for safekeeping exclusively but also intended for the latter’s maintenance and support. Losses, if any without the fault of the guardian shall be deducted from the funds of the ward (Phil. Trust Co. v. Ballesteros, No. L-8261, April 20, 1956).

Q: What is the nature of the rent of safety deposit boxes? A: The rent of safety deposit boxes is an ordinary contract of lease of things and not a special kind of deposit because the General Banking Law of 2000 has excluded the renting out of safety deposit box where the bank shall act as agent or depositary with the obligation to keep the funds, securities and other effects which it receives duly separate from the bank’s own assets and liabilities.

Q: When the deposit consists of money, what must be returned upon the extinguishment of contract? A: The provision of Article 1896 shall apply wherein the money deposited must be returned together with interest on the sums he has applied to his own use from the day on which he did so, and on those which he still owes after the extinguishment of thedeposit. The imposition of interest is in the form of penalty for the use of money for himself there being no agreement to pay the interest at the outset, otherwise, the contract will be a mutuum.

The case of Sia v. CA, G.R. No. 102970, May 13, 1993 enunciating that a rent of a safety deposit box is a special kind of deposit, was decided under the former General Banking Act. However, SC has not yet decided a case


Depositary – to whom the thing is deposited Depositor – the one who deposits the thing

378

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS A: It is a deposit in which the depositee is not to return the specific money deposited, but he is to return an equal sum to the depositor.

Q: Can the depositary demand that the depositor should prove his ownership of the thing deposited? A: GR: No.

Q: Maneja assigned and conveyed to Serrano her time deposit. Notwithstanding series of demands for encashment of the aforementioned time deposits, OBM refused to honor the time deposits. Is OBM liable to Serrano despite the fact the Central Bank declared that OBM could no longer operate due to its chronic reserve deficiencies?

XPN: Should he discover that the thing has been stolen and who its true owner is, he must advise the latter of the deposit. Note: If the depositary has reasonable grounds to believe that the thing has not been lawfully acquired by the depositor, the former may return the same.

A: Yes. Bank deposits are in the nature of irregular deposits. They are really loans because they earn interest. All kinds of bank deposits, whether fixed, savings or current, are to be treated as loans and are to be covered by the law on loans. Current and savings deposits are loans to a bank because it can use the same. Serrano, in making time deposits that earn interest with OBM was in reality a creditor of the respondent bank, and not a depositor. The bank was in turn a debtor of Serrano. Failure of OBM to honor the time deposits is failure to pay its obligation as a debtor and not a breach of trust arising from a depositary’s failure to return the subject matter of the deposit (Serrano v. Central Bank, G.R. No. 30511, Feb. 14, 1980).

Q: May the depository return the thing to the owner should he knew of the identity of the latter? A: The depositary is not authorized to return the thing unceremoniously to the alleged owner without the knowledge of the depositor. His duty is merely to advise the owner of the deposit. Note: If the depositor insists on his ownership as against the true owner, the depositary may file an Interpleader suit against both of them to avoid responsibility. If the identity of the true owner cannot be ascertained, the depositary may return the thing to the depositor (p. 82, Credit Pineda).

Q: What is the rule when there are two or more depositors?

Q: What should the depositary do if he loses the thing through force majeure or government order and receives money or another thing in its place?

A: If they are not solidary, and the thing admits of division, each one cannot demand more than his share.

A: He shall deliver the sum or other thing to the depositor. When there is solidarity or the thing does not admit of division, the provisions of Art. 1212 and 1214 shall govern. However, if there is a stipulation that the thing should be returned to one of the depositors, the depositary shall return it only to the person designated (Art. 1985, NCC).

Q: What is the duty of the depositary’s heir if he sold the thing which he did not know was deposited? A: He shall be bound to return the price he may have received or to assign his right of action against the buyer in case the price has not been paid by him (Art. 1991, NCC).

Q: What are the obligations of the depositor? A: 1.

Note: The provision applies only when the depositary has died and left heir/s who took possession of the thing in the concept of an owner and sold it in good faith to a third person.

Q: What is the right of the depositary if he has not been paid the amount due to him? 2.

A: The depositary may retain the thing in pledge until full payment of what may be due him by reason of the deposit (Art. 1994, NCC).

Payment for necessary expenses for preservation a. If the deposit is gratuitous – reimburse depositary b. With compensation – no need for reimbursement; expenses borne by depositary GR: Pay losses incurred by depositary due to the character of the thing deposited. XPNs: a. When at the time of deposit, the depositor was not aware of the dangerous character of the thing or was not expected to know it; b. When the depositor notified the depositary; or c. When the depositary was aware of it without advice from the depositor.

Q: May the depositary sell the thing retained in pledge? A: Yes, Article 2108 provides that if, without the fault of the pledgee, there is danger, destruction, impairment, or diminution in value of the thing pledged, he may cause the same to be sold at public auction. The proceeds of the auction shall be a security for the principal obligation in the same manner as the thing originally pledged (Pineda, p. 93, 2006 ed).

3.

Q: What is an irregular deposit?

In case of an onerous deposit, to pay the compensation agreed upon as consideration for the deposit

Q: To whom should the thing deposited be returned?

379


CIVIL LAW A: 1.

2.

3.

ii.

To the depositor, to his heirs and successors, or to the person who may have been designated in the contract (Art. 1972, NCC). If the depositor was incapacitated at the time of making the deposit, to his guardian or administrator or to the depositor himself should he acquire capacity (Art. 1970, NCC). Even if the depositor had capacity at the time of making the deposit but he subsequently loses his capacity during the deposit, the thing must be returned to his legal representative (Art.1986).

4.

If the thing should earn interest: a. collect interest as it falls due b. take steps to preserve the value and rights corresponding to it

5.

Not to commingle things if so stipulated

6.

GR: Not to make use of the thing deposited XPNs: a. When preservation of thing deposited requires its use b. When authorized by depositor

Q: Where should the thing deposited be returned? A: GR: At the place agreed upon. XPN: In the absence of stipulation, at the place where the thing deposited might be, even if it should not be the same place where the original deposit was made provided the transfer was accomplished without malice on the part of the depositary (Art. 1987)

GR: In such case it is no longer a deposit but a contract of loan or commodatum, as the case may be. XPN: Principal reason for the contract is still safekeeping, it is still deposit.

Q: When should the thing deposited be returned? A: GR: Upon demand or at will, whether or not a period has been stipulated. XPNs: 1. Thing is judicially attached while in the depositary’s possession. 2. Depositary was notified of the opposition of a third person to the return or the removal of the thing deposited (Art. 1988, NCC) 3. When the thing is stolen and the period of 30 days from notice to the true owner for him to claim it had not yet lapsed, the depositary cannot return the thing deposited to the depositor. This is intended to protect the true owner. 4. In case of gratuitous deposit, if the depositary has a justifiable reason for not keeping the deposit. If the depositor refuses, the depositary may secure its consignation from the court (Art. 1989, NCC).

7.

When the thing deposited is delivered sealed and closed: a. return the thing in the same condition b. pay damages if seal be broken through his fault c. keep the secret of the deposit when seal is broken w/ or w/o his fault d. However, the depositary is authorized to open the seal or lock when: i. there is presumed authority (i.e. the key is delivered) ii. out of necessity

8.

GR: Pay for any loss or damage that may arise due to his fault XPN: Liability of loss through fortuitous event XPNs to XPN (Art. 1979): Even in case of loss through fortuitous event, still liable if (USAD): a. Stipulated b. he Uses thing w/o depositor’s permission c. he Delays its return d. he Allows others to use it (even if he himself is authorized to use it)

VOLUNTARY DEPOSIT Q: What are the obligations of a depositary in voluntary deposit? A: 1. 2. 3.

To keep the thing safely and return it Exercise same diligence as he would exercise over his own property rd Not to deposit the thing with a 3 person, except: a. When expressly authorized by stipulation; and b. When the preservation of the thing requires its use (Art. 1977)

9.

Note: Depositary is liable for the loss if: i. He deposits the thing to a 3rd person without authority, even though the loss is due to fortuitous events

A: 1. 2.


Deposits the thing to a 3rd person who is manifestly careless or unfit although there is authority.

Return the thing deposited with all its fruits, accessions, and accessories (Art. 1983)

10. Pay interest on sums converted to personal use if the deposit consists of money Q: When is a voluntary deposit extinguished?

380

Loss or destruction of thing deposited; In gratuitous deposit, upon death of either depositor or depositary; or

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS 3.

Other causes (e.g. return of thing, novation, expiration of the term, fulfillment of resolutory condition)

Q: Venus was the owner of Suzuki Grand Vitara which was insured with Pioneer Insurance for loss and damage. When she arrived and checked in at Heaven’s Hotel before midnight, its parking attendant, John, got the key to said Vitara. At about one in the morning, Venus was awakened in her room by a telephone call from the Hotel Chief Security Officer who informed her that her Vitara was carnapped while it was parked unattended at the parking area of the bank near the hotel. May the insurance company, by right of subrogation, recover from the hotel the damages it paid to Venus?

NECESSARY DEPOSIT Q: When is deposit considered as necessary? A: 1. 2.

3. 4.

When it is in compliance with a legal obligation; It takes place on the occasion of any calamity, such as fire, storm, flood, pillage, shipwreck, or other similar events; Made by passengers with common carriers; or Made by travelers in hotels or inns.

A: Yes. The contract of necessary deposit existed between the insured Venus and the hotel. Article 1962, in relation to Article 1998, of the Civil Code defines this contract. Plainly, Venus deposited for safekeeping her vehicle through the hotel’s employee. From Venus’ delivery, when she handed the keys to John, the contract was perfected. Thus, there is the obligation of safely keeping it and returning it. Ultimately, the hotel is liable for the loss of Venus’ vehicle (Durban Apartments Corporation vs. Pioneer Insurance Surety Corporation, G.R. No. 179419, January 12, 2011).

Q: When can the keepers of hotels or inns be held responsible for loss of thing in case of deposit? A: When both are present: 1. they have been previously informed by guest about the effects the latter brought in, and 2. the guest has taken precautions prescribed for their safekeeping.

Q: Can the keepers of the hotels or inns exercise the right of retention?

Note: They are liable regardless of the degree of care exercised when: a. loss or injury is caused by his employees or even by strangers (Art. 2000); or b. loss is caused by act of thief or robber when there is no use of arms or irresistible force (Art. 2001).

A: Yes, as security for credits incident to the stay at the hotel (in the nature of a pledge created by operation of law).

Q: What are the instances when the keepers of hotels or inns are not liable for loss of thing in case of deposit?

Q: What is the effect of obtaining food or accommodation in a hotel or inn without payment?

A: They are not liable when: 1. loss or injury is caused by force majeure; 2. loss due to the acts of guests, his family, his employees, or visitors; and 3. loss arises from the character of the goods (Art. 2002)

A: The act is equivalent to estafa under Art. 315 of the Revised Penal Code

Q: Are hotel or inn keepers still liable regardless of the posting of notices exempting themselves from any liability?

A: When an attachment or seizure of property in litigation is ordered by a court (Art. 2005, NCC)

JUDICIAL DEPOSIT Q: When does judicial deposit (sequestration) take place?

Note: It is auxiliary to a case pending in court. The purpose is to maintain the status quo during the pendency of the litigation or to insure the right of the parties to the property in case of a favorable judgment (De Leon, Comments and cases on credit transaction, p. 154, 2010).

A: Yes. Hotel/Inn-keepers cannot escape or limit liability by stipulation or the posting of notices. Any stipulation between the hotel keeper and the guest whereby the responsibility of the former (Arts. 1998-2001) is suppressed or diminished shall be void (Art. 2003).

Q: What may be the object of Judicial sequestration?

Q: What is the extent of the liability of the hotel keepers in case of loss? A: 1.

2.

A: Movables and immovables (Art. 2006, NCC) Q: When will the properties sequestered cease to be in custodia legis?

It covers liability in hotel rooms which come under the term “baggage” or articles such as clothing as are ordinarily used by travelers. It includes lost or damages in hotels annexes such as vehicles in the hotel’s garage.

A: When the insolvency proceedings of a partnership terminated because the assignee in insolvency has returned the remaining assets to the firm, said properties cease to be in custodia legis (Ng Cho Cio, et al. v. Ng Diong & Hodges, L14832, Jan. 28, 1961)

381


CIVIL LAW GUARANTY AND SURETYSHIP NATURE AND EXTENT OF GUARANTY

Q: Distinguish guaranty from warranty. A:

Q: What is guaranty?

GUARANTY

A: It is a contract where a person called the guarantor binds himself to the creditor to fulfill the obligation of the principal debtor in case the latter should fail to do so.

A contract by which a person is bound to another for the fulfillment of a promise or undertaking of a third person

Q: What is suretyship? A: It is a contract where a person binds himself solidarily with principal debtor.

WARRANTY An undertaking that the title, quality or quantity of the subject matter of a contract is what it is represented to be, and relates to some agreement made ordinarily by the party who makes the warranty

Q: What is the similarity between guaranty and warranty? Q: Distinguish guaranty from suretyship. A: Each is an undertaking by one party to another to indemnify or make good the assured against some possible default or defect in the contemplation of the parties

A: GUARANTY Collateral undertaking Guarantor-secondarily liable Guarantor binds himself to pay if the principal cannot pay Insurer of solvency of debtor Guarantor can avail of the benefit of excussion and division in case creditor proceeds against him

SURETYSHIP Surety is an original promissory undertaking

Q: What are the kinds of guaranty?

Surety-primarily liable

A: 1.

Surety undertakes to pay if principal does not pay Insurer of the debt

2.

Surety cannot avail of the benefit of excussion and division

Q: What is the similarity between guaranty and suretyship?

3.

A: Both guarantor and surety promise or undertake to answer for the debt, default or miscarriage of another person. 4. Q: What are the characteristics of guaranty and suretyship? A: ACCUNCS 1. Accessory 2. Consensual 3. Conditional 4. Unilateral 5. Nominate 6. Cannot be presumed 7. Subsidiary 8. Covered by the Statute of Frauds

5.

Note: In case of guaranty, the guarantor must be a person distinct from the debtor because a person cannot be the personal guarantor of himself. A person cannot be both the primary debtor and the guarantor of his own debt as this is inconsistent with the very purpose of a guarantee which is for the creditor to proceed against a third person if the debtor defaults in his obligation.

EFFECTS OF GUARANTY Q: What are the obligations that may be secured in a contract of guaranty? A: 1. 2.


General classification a. Personal – guaranty where an individual personally assumes the fulfillment of the principal obligation; b. Real – guaranty is property, movable, or immovable. As to its origin a. Conventional – constituted by agreement of the parties b. Legal – imposed by virtue of a provision of law c. Judicial – required by a court to guarantee the eventual right of the parties in a case. As to consideration a. Gratuitous – guarantor does not receive any price or remuneration for acting as such. b. Onerous – one where the guarantor receives valuable consideration for his guaranty As to person a. Single – constituted solely to guarantee or secure performance by the debtor of the principal obligation. b. Double or subguaranty – constituted to secure the fulfillment of the obligation of a guarantor by a sub-guarantor As to scope and extent a. Definite – where the guaranty is limited to the principal obligation only, or to a specific portion thereof. b. Indefinite or simple – where the guaranty included all the accessory obligations of the principal, e.g. costs, including judicial costs.

382

Valid obligations Voidable obligations

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS 3. 4.

5.

Unenforceable obligations Natural obligations – When the debtor himself offers a guaranty for his natural obligation, he impliedly recognizes his liability, thereby transforming the obligation from a natural into a civil one. Conditional obligations – only in case of suspensive condition because upon its happening, it gives rise to the principal and hence, gives rise also to the accessory obligation.

Q: Who is a guarantor? A: The guarantor is the person who is bound to another for the fulfillment of a promise or undertaking of a third person. Q: What are the qualifications of a guarantor? A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: Is a valid principal obligation necessary in contract of guaranty? A: Since guaranty is an accessory contract, it is an indispensable condition for its existence that there must be a principal obligation. Hence, if the principal obligation is void, it is also void.

Possesses integrity; Capacity to bind himself; and Has sufficient property to answer for the obligation which he guarantees.

Note: The qualifications need only be present at the time of the perfection of the contract.

Q: What if the guaranty was undertaken without knowledge of debtor?

Q: In what form should a contract of guaranty be made?

A: Guaranty is unilateral. It exists for the benefit of the creditor and not for the benefit of the principal who is not a party to the contract of guaranty. The creditor has every right to take all possible measures to secure the payment of his credit. Hence, it can be constituted without the knowledge and even against the will of the principal debtor.

A: It must be expressed and in writing (par. 2, Art. 1403, NCC); otherwise, it is unenforceable unless ratified. It need not be in a public instrument. Note: Guaranty, as a contract, requires the expression of the consent of the guarantor in order to be bound. It cannot be presumed because of the existence of a contract or principal obligation. It shall be unenforceable by action unless made in writing.

Q: What is the effect of subsequent loss of required qualifications?

Q: Is acceptance necessary in a contract of guaranty?

A: The supervening loss of required qualifications will not generally end the guaranty. However, the creditor is given the right to demand substitution of guarantor.

A: GR: The acceptance of the creditor is not essential in such contracts.

Q: When is the qualification of the guarantor lost?

XPN: When there is a mere offer of a guaranty or a conditional guaranty wherein the obligation does not become binding until it is accepted by the creditor and notice of such acceptance is given to the guarantor.

A: 1. Conviction of a crime involving dishonesty 2. Insolvency

Q: In case of doubt, in whose favor should a contract of guaranty or surety be resolved?

Q: What is the effect of absence of direct consideration or benefit to guarantor?

A: GR: Strict construction against the creditor and liberal in favor of the guarantor or surety; terms cannot be extended beyond the stipulation. XPN: In cases of compensated sureties.

A: Guaranty or surety agreement is regarded valid despite the absence of any direct consideration received by the guarantor or surety, such consideration need not pass directly to the guarantor or surety; a consideration moving to the principal will suffice.

Q: State the general character of guaranty.

Q: What is the rule when a married woman is a guarantor?

A: GR: Generally gratuitous (Art. 2048, NCC)

A: GR: Binds only her separate property.

XPN: Stipulation to the contrary. PARTIES TO A CONTRACT OF GUARANTY

XPNs: 1. If with her husband’s consent, it binds the community or conjugal partnership property. 2. Without husband’s consent, in cases provided for by law, such as when the guaranty has redounded to the benefit of the family.

Q: Who are the parties to a contract of guaranty? A: 1. 2.

Guarantor Creditor

383


CIVIL LAW Q: What are the rights of a third person who pays for the debt guaranteed or secured? A: 1.

2.

A: His obligation will survive. His estate will be answerable. If the estate has no sufficient assets, the guarantor shall be liable.

If payment is made without the knowledge or against the will of the debtor: a. Guarantor can recover only insofar as the payment has been beneficial to the debtor (Art. 1236) b. Guarantor cannot compel the creditor to subrogate him in his rights. (Art. 1237) If payment is made with the knowledge or consent of the debtor – Subrogated to all the rights which creditor had against the debtor.

Q: What is the rule with respect to jurisdiction in an action based on a contract of guaranty? A: The guarantor shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the court of the place where the obligation is to be complied with. BENEFIT OF EXCUSSION Q: What is the benefit of excussion?

Q: What is the extent of guarantor’s liability? A: 1.

2.

A: It is a right by which the guarantor cannot be compelled to pay the creditor unless the latter has exhausted all the properties of the principal debtor and has resorted to all legal remedies against such debtor (Art. 2058).

Where the guaranty is definite – It is limited in whole or in part to the principal debt to the exclusion of accessories. Where the guaranty is indefinite or simple – It shall comprise not only the principal obligation but also all its accessories, including the judicial costs provided that the guarantor shall only be liable for those cost incurred after he has been judicially required to pay.

Q: What are the requisites of benefit of exhaustion or excussion? A: 1.

Q: What are the situations when a guarantor may lawfully be required to pay more than the original obligation of the principal debtor? A: 1.

2.

3.

2.

If upon demand, a guarantor fails to pay the obligation, he can be held liable for interest, even if in thus paying, the liability becomes more than that in the principal obligation. The increased liability is not because of the contract but because of the default and the necessity for judicial collection. It should be noted, however, that the interest runs from the time the complaint is filed, not from the time the debt becomes due and demandable (Tagawa v. Aldanese, No.18636, Sept. 28, 1922 ).

The guarantor must set up the right of excussion against the creditor upon the latter’s demand for payment from him; and He must point out to the creditor the available property of the debtor (not exempted from execution) found within the Philippine territory (Art. 2060, NCC).

Q: May a complaint be filed against the debtor and guarantor simultaneously in one case before the exhaustion of all the properties of the debtor? A: Yes. There is nothing procedurally objectionable in impleading the guarantor as a co-defendant. As a matter of fact, the Rules of Court on permissive joinder of parties explicitly allow it. If the creditor obtained a favorable judgment against the debtor and guarantor, the latter is entitled to a deferment of the execution of the said judgment against him until all properties of the debtor shall have been exhausted to satisfy the latter’s obligation involved in the case.

Creditors suing on a surety bond may recover from the surety, as part of their damages, interest at the legal rate, judicial cost and attorney’s fees when appropriate even if the surety would thereby become liable to pay more than the total amount stipulated in the bond (Dino v. CA, G.R. No. 89775, Nov. 26, 1995).

Note: Just because the guarantor was sued at the same time as the debtor does not mean that the creditor has already made the demand on the guarantor.

Q: What is the effect of declaration of insolvency with respect to the right of excussion?

A penalty clause may also increase the liability of the surety (General Insurance Surety Co. v. Republic, G.R. No. L-13873, Jan. 31, 1963).

A: His heirs are still liable to the extent of the value of the inheritance because the obligation is not purely personal and is therefore transmissible.

A: Just because the debtor has been declared insolvent in insolvency proceeding does not necessarily mean that he cannot pay, for part of the debtor’s assets may still be available to the creditor. One good proof of the debtor’s inability to pay is an unsatisfied writ of execution which has been returned by the implementing sheriff (Machetti v. Hospicio de San Jose, 43 Phil. 297, Feb. 7, 1920).

Q: What is the effect of the debtor’s death?

Q: When is there no benefit of excussion?

Q: What is the effect of guarantor’s death?


384

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS the creditor There is no payment yet, but there is merely a claim pressed against one or more coguarantors

A: RJS-AIR-FEDS 1. Guarantor has expressly renounced it. 2. Guarantor has bound himself solidarily with the Debtor. 3. Debtor is insolvent. 4. Guarantor has absconded, or cannot be sued within the Philippines unless he left a manager or representative. 5. If it may be presumed that an execution on the property of the Debtor cannot satisfy the obligation. 6. Guarantor does not invoke the benefit against Creditor upon demand to him for payment and he does not point out available property of the Debtor within the Philippines sufficient to cover the obligation (Art. 2060, NCC). 7. Guarantor is a judicial bondsman or sub-surety. (Art. 2084) 8. A pledge or mortgage of his own property has been given by Guarantor as special security. 9. Guarantor fails to interpose it as a defense before judgment is rendered.

co-guarantors There is already payment of debt; the paying co-guarantor is seeking the contribution of the co-guarantors

Q: What is the effect of the creditor’s negligence in exhausting the properties of the debtor? A: He shall suffer the loss to the extent of the value of the pointed property which was not exhausted by the creditor (Art. 2061, NCC). Note: The article applies when the guarantor has complied with the conditions of Art. 2060 (requisites of benefit of excussion).

Q: What is the rule with regard to action of the creditor against the debtor? A: GR: Only the principal debtor should be sued alone. XPN: If the benefit of excussion is not available, the guarantor can be sued jointly with the debtor.

BENEFIT OF DIVISION Q: What is the principle of benefit of division?

Q: Is the guarantor entitled to be notified of the complaint against the debtor?

A: Should there be several guarantors of only one debtor for the same debt, the obligation to answer for the same is divided among all. (Joint liability) (Art. 2065)

A: Yes. If the guarantor desires to set up defenses as are granted him by law, he may have the opportunity to do so (Art. 2062).

Note: GR: Creditor can claim from the guarantors only up to the extent they are respectively bound to pay.

Q: What are the consequences of the guarantor’s appearance or non-appearance in the case against the debtor?

XPN: When solidarity has been stipulated. A: 1.

Should any of the guarantors become insolvent, his share shall be borne by the other guarantors including the paying guarantor in the same joint proportion in accordance with the rule in solidary obligations.

2.

The right to be reimbursed from his co- guarantors is acquired ipso jure by virtue of said payment. Q: What is the effect of payment made by a co-guarantor not by virtue of a judicial demand or by reason of insolvency?

If he does not appear and judgment is rendered against the debtor, he cannot set up defenses which he could have set up had he appeared; moreover, he cannot question the decision anymore; If he appears such as by filing an answer in intervention, he may lose or may win the case. If he losses, he is still entitled to the benefit of excussion. There is no waiver of his benefit of excussion by his appearance in the case.

Q: What is the effect of compromise between the creditor and the principal debtor?

A: The paying co-guarantor cannot directly seek reimbursement from the other co-guarantors. He has to pursue first the claim against the principal debtor alone. (Sadaya v. Sevilla, 126 Phil. 101)

A: If the compromise is beneficial to the guarantor, it is st valid; otherwise, it is not binding upon him (1 sentence, Art. 2063, NCC).

Q: Distinguish benefit of division from benefit of contribution.

Q: What is the effect of compromise between the creditor and the guarantor to the principal debtor?

A:

A: If compromise is beneficial to the principal debtor, it is nd valid; otherwise, it is not binding upon him (2 sentence, Art. 2063, NCC). To be binding, it must benefit both the guarantor and the debtor.

BENEFIT OF DIVISION Controversy is between the co-guarantors and

BENEFIT OF CONTRIBUTION Controversy between and among the several

385


CIVIL LAW Q: What is the rule on the right of indemnity and reimbursement of the guarantor who paid the debt?

XPN: If ratified by the debtor. Q: Can the guarantor proceed against the principal debtor even before having paid the creditor?

A: GR: Guarantor is entitled to be reimbursed by Debtor for: 1. total amount of the debt paid; 2. legal interest from the time payment was made known to the debtor; 3. expenses incurred after notifying debtor that demand to pay was made upon him; and 4. damages in accordance with law.

A: GR: No. XPNs: 1. 2. 3.

XPNs: 1. Guaranty is constituted without the knowledge or against the will of the debtor.

4.

Effect: Guarantor may only recover so much as was beneficial to the debtor.

5.

rd

2. Payment by 3 persons who does not intend to be reimbursed. 6. Effect: deemed a donation and as such requires the consent of debtor.

7.

Q: What is the right of the guarantor after the payment of the debt is made to the creditor?

Note: In all these cases, the cause of action of the guarantor is either to obtain release from the guaranty, or to demand a security that shall protect him from any proceedings by the creditor and from the danger of insolvency of the debtor (Art. 2071, NCC).

A: Right of subrogation. The guarantor is subrogated to all st the rights which the creditor had against the debtor (1 par., Art. 2067)

Q: What is the remedy of a person who becomes a guarantor at the request of another for the debt of a third person who is not present?

Q: What happens when guarantor pays without notice to the debtor?

A: He has the option of suing either the principal debtor or the requesting party (Art. 2072, NCC).

A: The debtor may interpose against the guarantor defenses available to the debtor as against the creditor at the time payment was made.

Note: The provision applies when the guarantor has actually paid the debt.

Note: GR: Guarantor must first notify the debtor before paying, otherwise, if the debtor pays again, the guarantor can only collect from the creditor and the guarantor will have no cause of action against the debtor even if the creditor becomes insolvent (Art. 2070).

SUB-GUARANTY Q: What is double or sub-guaranty?

XPN: Guarantor may still recover from debtor if the following circumstances concur: 1. 2. 3.

A: It is one constituted to guarantee the obligation of the guarantor.

Guaranty is gratuitous; Guarantor was prevented by fortuitous event from notifying the debtor; and Creditor was insolvent.

Note: In case of insolvency of the guarantor for whom he bound himself, he is responsible to the co-guarantors in the same terms as the guarantors (Art. 2075, NCC).

Q: What is the effect if guarantor pays the debt before maturity?

Q: Is a sub-guarantor entitled to the right of excussion? A: Yes, both with respect to the guarantor and to the principal debtor (Art. 2064, NCC).

A: GR: The Guarantor cannot seek reimbursement from the debtor until expiration of the period stipulated. The guarantor must wait. For being subsidiary in character, the guaranty is not enforceable until the debt has become due (Art. 2069)


When he is sued for payment; In case of insolvency of the principal debtor; When the debtor has bound himself to relieve him from the guaranty within a specified period, and this period has expired. When the debt has become demandable by reason of the expiration of the period of payment; After the lapse of ten years, when the principal obligation has no fixed period for its maturity, unless it be of such nature that it cannot be extinguished except within a period longer than ten years; If there are reasonable grounds to fear that the principal debtor intends to abscond; or If the principal debtor is in imminent danger of becoming insolvent.

CONTINUING GUARANTY Q: What is continuing guaranty or suretyship?

386

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS A: A continuing guaranty is one which covers all transactions, including those arising in the future, which are within the description or contemplation of the contract of guaranty until the expiration or termination thereof.

only for the partial payments already made but for the full amount owed by PAGRICO to the PNB. (Cochingyan, Jr. v. R&B Surety and Ins. Co., GR.No.L-47369, June 30, 1987) EXTINGUISHMENT OF GUARANTY

GR: It is not limited to a single transaction but contemplates a future course of dealings, covering a series of transactions generally for an indefinite time or until revoked.

Q: What are the grounds for extinguishing a contract of guaranty? A: 1. 2. 3.

XPN: A chattel mortgage can only cover obligations existing at the time the mortgage is constituted and not to obligations subsequent to the execution of the mortgage. XPN to the XPN: In case of stocks in department stores, drug stores etc.

4.

Q: What is the test of continuing guaranty? 5. A: A guaranty shall be construed as continuing when by the terms thereof it is evident that the object is to give a standing credit to the principal debtor to be used from time to time either indefinitely or until a certain period, especially if the right to recall the guaranty is expressly reserved (Dino v. CA, G.R. No. 89775, Nov. 26, 1995)

6.

Principal obligation is extinguished Same causes as all other obligations If creditor voluntarily accepts immovable or other properties in payment of the debt (even if he should afterwards lose the same through eviction or conveyance of property) (Art. 2077) Release in favor of one of the guarantors, w/o consent of the others, benefits all to the extent of the share of the guarantor to whom it has been granted (Art. 2078) Extension granted to debtor by creditor without consent of guarantor (Art. 2079) When by some act of the creditor, the guarantors even though they are solidarily liable cannot be subrogated to the rights, mortgages, and preferences of the former (Art. 2080) MATERIAL ALTERATION OF CONTRACT

Q: May guaranty secure future debts? Q: What is the effect of material alteration of principal contract?

A: Yes. A guaranty may be given to secure even future debts, the amount of which may not be known at the time the guaranty is executed. This is the basis for contracts denominated as continuing guaranty or suretyship. It is one which covers all transactions, including those arising in the future, which are within the description or contemplation of the contract of guaranty, until the expiration or termination thereof (Dino v. CA, G.R. No. 89775, Nov. 26, 1995)

A: Any agreement between the creditor and the principal debtor which essentially varies the terms of the principal contract without the consent of the surety will release the surety from liability. Material alteration would constitute a novation or change of the principal contract and which is consequently extinguished. Q: When is the alteration considered material?

Q: PAGRICO submitted a Surety Bond issued by R&B Surety to secure an increase in its credit line with PNB. For consideration of the Surety Bond, Cochingyan and Villanueva entered into an Indemnity Agreement with R&B Surety and bound themselves jointly and severally to the terms and conditions of the Surety Bond. When PAGRICO defaulted, PNB demanded payment to R&B Surety; R&B Surety, in turn, demanded payment to Cochingyan and Villanueva. R&B sued them. Villanueva argued that the complaint was premature because PNB had not yet proceeded against R&B Surety to enforce the latter's liability under the Surety Bond. Is the contention correct?

A: It must be a change which imposes an obligation or added burden on the party promising or which takes away some obligation already imposed, changing the legal effect of the original contract and not merely the form thereof. Note: a.

b.

c.

A: No. Indemnity Agreements are contracts of indemnification not only against actual loss but against liability as well. While in a contract of indemnity against loss an indemnitor will not be liable until the person to be indemnified makes payment or sustains loss, in a contract of indemnity against liability, as in this case, the indemnitor's liability arises as soon as the liability of the person to be indemnified has arisen without regard to whether or not he has suffered actual loss. Accordingly, R & B Surety was entitled to proceed against petitioners not

The increase in the interest rates without the guarantor’s consent does not release the guarantor where the creditor is demanding only the original and not the increased rate of interest rate. Assignment of the creditor without the knowledge or consent of surety is not material alteration of the contract Change in the technical specifications of the items to be purchased but their amount, length, and quality remained unchanged, and the period for payment and the amount of liability of principal debtor and surety were untouched is not material.

LEGAL AND JUDICIAL BONDS Q: What is a Bond?

387


CIVIL LAW A: A bond, when required by law, is commonly understood to mean an undertaking that is sufficiently secured, and not cash or currency. Whenever surety bonds are submitted, they are subject to any objections as to their sufficiency or as to the solvency of the bondsman.

Q: What is the effect of a surety bond filed for an alien staying in the country which is forfeited for violating its terms? A: The effect of the violation is that its subsequent unauthorized cancellation thru mistake or fraud does not relieve the surety. A bond surrendered thru mistake or fraud may, therefore, be considered as a valid and subsisting instrument (Far Eastern Surety and Ins. Co., v. CA, GR No. L-12019, Oct 16, 1958).

Q: What is a Bondsman? A: A bondsman is a surety offered in virtue of a provision of law or a judicial order. He must have the qualifications required of a guarantor and in special laws like the Rules of Court.

Q: What is the rule when the performance of a bond is rendered impossible?

Q: What are the qualifications to a property bond? A: It is the surety’s duty to inform the court of the happening of the event so that it may take action or decree in the discharge of the surety when the performance of the bond is rendered impossible by an act of God, or the obligee, or the law. (People v. Otiak Omal & Luzon Co., Inc., GR. No. L-14457, June 30, 1961)

A: The necessary qualifications of sureties to a property bond shall be as follows: 1. Each of them must be a resident owner of real estate within the Philippines; 2. Where there is only one surety, his real estate must be worth at least the amount of the undertaking; 3. In case there are two or more sureties, they may justify severally in amounts less than that expressed in the undertaking, if the entire sum justified is equivalent to the whole amount of bail demanded (Sec. 12, Rule 114, Rules of Court). Q: What is the nature of a bond? A: All bonds including “judicial bonds” are contractual in nature. Bonds exist only in consequence of a meeting of minds under the conditions essential to a contract. Q: What is a Judicial Bond? A: Judicial bonds constitute merely as a special class of contracts of guaranty, characterized by the fact that they are given in virtue of a judicial order. Q: What is the liability of the surety if the creditor was negligent in collecting the debt? A: A surety is still liable even if the creditor was negligent in collecting from the debtor. The contract of suretyship is not about the oblige will seeing to it that the principal pays the debt or fulfills the contract, but that the surety will see that the principal pay or perform (PNB v. Manila Surety & Fidelity Co., Inc., 14 SCRA 776, 1965).

Q: What is the effect of violation by the creditor of the terms of the surety agreement? A: A violation by the creditor of the terms of the surety entitles the surety to be released therefrom (Associated Ins. & Surety Co. v. Bacolod Murcia Milling Co., GR. No. L-12334, May 22, 1959).


388

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS PLEDGE, MORTGAGE, AND ANTICHRESIS Q: What is pledge, mortgage and antichresis? Distinguish A: PLEDGE An accessory contract whereby a debtor delivers to the creditor or a third person a movable or personal property, or document evidencing incorporeal rights, to secure the fulfillment of a principal obligation with the condition that when the obligation is satisfied, the thing delivered shall be returned to the pledgor with all its fruits and accessions, if any. movable or personal property, or document evidencing incorporeal rights Property must be delivered

CHATTEL MORTGAGE REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE Definition Chattel mortgage is a contract by virtue of which a personal property is recorded in the Chattel Mortgage Register as a security for the performance of an obligation.

It is a contract whereby the debtor secures to the creditor the fulfillment of a principal obligation, specially subjecting to such security, immovable property or real rights over immovable property, in case the principal obligation is not paid or complied with at the time stipulated.

Object of the contract immovable property or real Personal property rights over immovable property Necessity of delivery Delivery is not necessary

Delivery is not necessary

Q: What are the similarities of pledge and mortgage?

3. 4. 5.

A: 1. 2.

Both are accessory contracts; Both pledgor and mortgagor must be the absolute owner of the property; 3. Both pledgor and mortgagor must have the free disposal of their property or be authorized to do so; and 4. In both, the thing proffered as security may be sold at public auction, when the principal obligation becomes due and no payment is made by the debtor.

ANTICHRESIS

A contract whereby the CR acquires the right to receive the fruits of an immovable of the debtor, with the obligation to apply them to the payment of interest, if owing, and thereafter to the principal of his credit.

fruits of an immovable

Property is delivered to the creditor

Unenforceable obligations Natural obligations Conditional obligations

Q: What rules are common to pledge and mortgage? A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: Are the contracts of pledge, mortgage or antichresis indivisible?

4.

Constituted to secure the fulfillment of a valid principal obligation. Pledgor or mortgagor must be the absolute owner of the thing pledged or mortgaged. They must have the free disposal of their property, and in the absence thereof, that they be legally authorized for such purpose. Debtor retains ownership of the thing given as a security.

A: GR: A pledge, mortgage or antichresis is indivisible. Q: May property acquirable in the future be mortgaged? Note: The mortgage is indivisible even if the obligation of the debtor is joint and not solidary. Generally, the divisibility of the principal obligation is not affected by the indivisibility of the pledge or mortgage.

A: No. Where the mortgagor mortgaged a property and in the contract he agreed to mortgage additional properties which he may acquire in the future, there was no valid mortgage as to the latter because he was not yet the owner of the properties at the time of the mortgage (Dilag v. Heirs of Ressurrecion, No. 48941, May 6, 1946).

XPNs: 1. Where each one of several things guarantees determinate portion of the credit (Art. 2089) 2. Where only a portion of the loan was released 3. Where there was failure of consideration

Q: Is a third person who pledged and mortgaged his property liable for any deficiency?

Q: What are the obligations that can be secured by pledge, mortgage and antichresis? A: 1. 2.

A: GR: No. XPN: If the third party pledgor or mortgagor expressly agreed to be bound solidarily with the principal debtor.

Valid obligations Voidable obligations

389


CIVIL LAW Q: Is mortgage constituted to secure future advances valid?

Q: ABC loaned to MNO P40,000 for which the latter pledged 400 shares of stock in XYZ Inc. It was agreed that if the pledgor failed to pay the loan with 10% yearly interest within four years, the pledgee is authorized to foreclose on the shares of stock. As required, MNO delivered possession of the shares to ABC with the understanding that the shares would be returned to MNO upon the payment of the loan. However, the loan was not paid on time. A month after 4 years, may the shares of stock pledged be deemed owned by ABC or not? Reason. (2004 Bar Question)

A: Yes. It is a continuing security and not discharged by repayment of the amount named in the mortgage, until the full amount of the advances is paid. However, a chattel mortgage can only cover obligations existing at the time the mortgage is constituted and not to obligations subsequent to the execution of the mortgage. Q: What is the nature of an assignment of rights to guarantee an obligation of a debtor?

A: The shares of stock cannot be deemed owned by ABC upon default of MNO. They have to be foreclosed. Under Article 2088, NCC, the creditor cannot appropriate the things given by way of pledge. And even if the parties have stipulated that ABC becomes the owner of the shares in case MNO defaults on the loan, such stipulation is void for being a pactum commissorium.

A: It is in effect a mortgage and not an absolute conveyance of title which confers ownership on the assignee (Manila Banking Corp. v. Teodoro, Jr., G.R. No. 53955, Jan. 13, 1989) ACCOMMODATION MORTGAGE Q: Who is an accommodation mortgagor?

Q: To secure a loan obtained from a rural bank, Purita assigned her leasehold rights over a stall in the public market in favor of the bank. The deed of assignment provides that in case of default in the payment of the loan, the bank shall have the right to sell Purita's rights over the market stall as her attorney-in-fact, and to apply the proceeds to the payment of the loan.

A: He is a third person who is not a party to a principal obligation and secures the latter by mortgaging or pledging his own property. Q: What is the extent of the liability of an accommodation mortgagor? A: It extends up to the loan value of their mortgaged property and not to the entire loan itself.

1. Was the assignment of leasehold rights a mortgage or a cession? Why? 2. Assuming the assignment to be a mortgage, does the provision giving the bank the power to sell Purita's rights constitute pactum commissorium or not? Why? (2001 Bar Question)

Note: Accommodation is also applicable to pledge since the law provides that “third parties who are not parties to the principal obligation may secure the latter by pledging or mortgaging their own property” (Art. 2085, Civil Code). It is also applicable to antichresis since Art. 2139 states that the last paragraph of Art. 2085 shall be applicable to a contract of antichresis.

A: 1. The assignment was a mortgage, not a cession, of the leasehold rights. A cession would have transferred ownership to the bank. However, the grant of authority to the bank to sell the leasehold rights in case of default is proof that no such ownership was transferred and that a mere encumbrance was constituted. There would have been no need for such authority had there been a cession.

PACTUM COMMISSORIUM Q: What is pactum commisorium? A: It is a stipulation whereby the thing pledged or mortgaged or subject of antichresis shall automatically become the property of the creditor in the event of nonpayment of the debt within the term fixed. Such stipulation is null and void.

2. No, the clause in question is not a pactum commissorium. It is pactum commissorium when default in the payment of the loan automatically vests ownership of the encumbered property in the bank. In the problem given, the bank does not automatically become owner of the property upon default of the mortgagor. The bank has to sell the property and apply the proceeds to the indebtedness.

Q: What are the elements of pactum commissorium? A: 1. 2.

There is a pledge, mortgage or antichresis of a property by way of security; and There is an express stipulation for the automatic appropriation by the creditor of the property in case of non-payment

Q: Spouses Uy Tong purchased seven motor vehicles from Bayanihan Investment payable in installments. It was agreed that if the spouses should fail to pay their obligation, Bayanihan will automatically be the owner of the apartment which the spouses has a leasehold right. The spouses after paying the downpayment, failed to pay the balance, hence, Bayanihan filed an action for specific performance against the spouses. The judgment provided that in case the spouses failed to pay the obligation within

Note: What are prohibited are those stipulations executed or made simultaneously with the original contract, and not those subsequently entered into.


390

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS 30 days from notice, they are to execute a Deed of Absolute Sale over the apartment and/or leasehold rights. Is the stipulation a pactum commissorium?

Q: What are the essential requisites for a contract of pledge? A: 1.

A: No. The questioned agreement evinces no basis for the application of pactum commissorium. There is no contract of pledge or mortgage entered into by the parties. Bayanihan sought the intervention of the court by filing an action for specific performance. Hence there was no automatic appropriation of the property. (Uy Tong v. CA, G.R. No. 77465, May 21, 1988)

2. 3.

Note: A contract of pledge not appearing in a public instrument does not affect its validity. It is valid between the parties.

Q: X borrowed money from Y and gave a piece of land as security by way of mortgage. It was expressly agreed between the parties in the mortgage contract that upon nonpayment of the debt on time by X, the mortgaged land would already belong to Y. If X defaulted in paying, would Y now become the owner of the mortgaged land? Why?

Q: What kind of possession is required in pledge? A: The mere taking of the property is not enough. There must be continuous possession of the thing. However, the pledgee is allowed to temporarily entrust the physical possession of the thing pledged to the pledgor without invalidating the contract. But here, the pledgor would be in possession as a mere trustee and his possession is subject to the order of the pledgee.

A: No, Y would not become the owner of the land. The stipulation is in the nature of pactum commissorium which is prohibited by law. The property should be sold at public auction and the proceeds thereof applied to the indebtedness. Any excess shall be given to the mortgagor.

Q: Pablo owns a tractor which he left with his son Mike for safekeeping. Mike then offered the said tractor to Calibo as security for the payment of his debt. When Pablo came back and learned that the tractor was in the custody of Calibo, he demanded its return. Calibo, however, refused. Calibo alleged that the tractor was pledged to him, and in the alternative, the tractor was left with him in the concept of deposit and he may validly hold on to it until Mike pays his obligation. Is Calibo correct?

Q: Suppose in the preceding question, the agreement between X and Y was that if X failed to pay the mortgage debt on time, the debt shall be paid with the land mortgaged by X to Y. Would your answer be the same as in the preceding question? Explain. (1999 Bar Question) A: No, the answer would not be the same. This is a valid stipulation and does not constitute pactum commissorium. In pactum commissorium, the acquisition is automatic without need of any further action. In the instant problem another act is required to be performed, namely, the conveyance of the property as payment (dacion en pago).

A: No.There is no valid pledge because Mike is not the absolute owner of the property pledged. He who is not the owner or proprietor of the property pledged or mortgaged to guarantee the fulfillment of a principal obligation, cannot legally constitute such a guaranty as may validly bind the property in favor of his creditor, and the pledgee or mortgagee in such a case acquires no right whatsoever in the property pledged or mortgaged. There is likewise no valid deposit, in this case, where the principal purpose for receiving the object is not safekeeping (Calibo Jr. v. CA, G.R. No. 120528, Jan. 29, 2001).

PLEDGE Q: What is pledge? A: A contract whereby the debtor delivers to a creditor or rd 3 person a movable or document evidencing incorporeal right for the purpose of securing fulfillment of a principal obligation with the understanding that when the obligation is fulfilled, the thing delivered shall be returned with all its fruits and accessions.

Q: What is the right of an owner of personal property pledged without authority? A: He may invoke Art. 559, NCC. The defense that pawnshop owner acquired ownership of the thing in good faith is not available.

Q: What are the kinds of pledge? A: 1. 2.

Constituted to secure the fulfillment of a principal obligation; Pledgor is the absolute owner of the thing pledged; Persons constituting the pledge have the free disposal of their property, and in the absence thereof, that they be legally authorized for the purpose. (Art. 2085, NCC)

Conventional - by agreement of parties Legal - by operation of law

Note: Art. 559 – The possession of movable property acquired in good faith is equivalent to a title. Nevertheless, one who has lost any movable or has been unlawfully deprived thereof, may recover it from the person in possession of the same.

Note: A thing lawfully pledged to one creditor, cannot be pledged to another as long as the 1st pledge subsists. (Mission de San Vicente v. Reyes 19 Phil 524)

If the possessor of a movable lost or of which the owner has been unlawfully deprived, has acquired it in good faith at a public sale, the owner cannot obtain its return without reimbursing the price paid therefore.

391


CIVIL LAW Q: How is a contract of pledge perfected?

Q: Is constructive or symbolic delivery of the thing sufficient to constitute pledge?

A: A contract of pledge is perfected when the thing pledged is placed in the actual possession of or delivered to the pledgee or a third person designated by the parties by common consent (Art. 2093, NCC)

A: GR: No. XPN: If the pledge consists of goods stored in a warehouse for purposes, of showing the pledgee’s control over the goods, the delivery to him of the keys to the warehouse is sufficient delivery of possession (constructive/symbolic delivery).

Note: If Art. 2093 is not complied with, the pledge is void.

Q: What is the effect when possession or delivery of the thing pledged was not made?

The type of delivery will depend upon the nature and peculiar circumstances of each case (Yuliongsiu v. PNB, G.R. No. L-19227, Feb. 17, 1968).

A: An agreement to constitute a pledge only gives rise to a personal action between the contracting parties. Unless the movable given as a security by way of pledge be delivered to and placed in the possession of the creditor or of a third person designated by common agreement, the creditor acquires no right to the property because pledge is merely a lien and possession is indispensable to the right of a lien.

Q: Can incorporeal rights evidenced by proper document be pledged? A: Yes (Art. 2095, NCC). It is, however, required that the actual instrument be delivered to the pledgee. More, if the instrument is a negotiable document, it must be indorsed.

Q: What is the effect if the pledgee fails to take the property pledged into his possession?

OBLIGATIONS OF PLEDGOR AND PLEDGEE A: If a pledgee fails or neglects to take the property pledged into his possession, he is presumed to have waived the right granted him by the contract (U.S. v. Terrel, 2 Phil. 222)

Q: Who are the parties in a contract of pledge? A: 1.

Q: What are the requisites to bind third persons in a contract of pledge?

2.

Pledgor – the debtor; the one who delivers the thing pledged to the creditor Pledgee – the creditor; the one who receives the thing pledged

A: To bind third persons, the pledge must be embodied in a public instrument where the following entries must appear 1. A description of the thing pledged; and 2. Statement of date when the pledge was executed. (Art. 2096, NCC)

Q: What are the rights of a pledgee?

Q: What is the effect of an undated contract of pledge?

2.

A: An undated instrument of pledge cannot ripen into a valid pledge (Betita v. Ganzon, 49 Phil. 87)

3.

A: 1.

Retain the thing until debt is paid. (Art. 2018, NCC) Art. 2098 To be reimbursed for the expenses made for the preservation of the thing pledged. (Art. 2099, NCC) Creditor may bring any action pertaining to the pledgor in order to recover it from or defend it against rd a 3 person. (Legal Subrogation) (Art. 2103)

Q: What is the effect if no public instrument is made? Q: What are the obligations of a pledgee? A: When the contract of pledge is not recorded in a public instrument, it is void as against third persons; the buyer of the thing pledged is a third person. The fact that the person claiming as pledgee has taken actual physical possession of the thing sold will not prevent the pledge from being declared void insofar as the innocent stranger is concerned. (Tec Bi & Co. v. Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, 16 O.G. 908; Ocejo, Perez and Co. v. International Bank, 37 Phil. 631)

A: 1.

Note: Pledgee is liable for the loss or deterioration of the thing by reason of fraud, negligence, delay, or violation of the terms of the contract.

2.

Q: What is the reason behind the requisites?

GR: Pledgee cannot deposit the thing pledged to a 3 person.

rd

XPN: Unless there is stipulation to the contract (Art. 2100, NCC)

A: The purpose of the requirements is to forestall fraud, because a debtor may attempt to conceal his property from his creditors when he sees it in danger of execution by simulating a pledge thereof with an accomplice (Tec Bi & Co. v. Chartered Bank of India, 41 Phil. 576).


Take care of the thing pledged with the diligence of a good father of a family. (Art. 2099, NCC)

Note: Pledgee is liable for the loss or deterioration of the thing pledged caused by the acts or negligence of the agents or employees of the pledgee.

392


Apply the fruits, income, dividends, or interests produced or earned by the property, to interests or expenses first, then to the principal. (Art. 2102, NCC)

4.

GR: Cannot use the thing pledged without authority. (Art. 2104)

Q: What is the effect of the return of the thing pledged to the pledgor by the pledgee? A: The pledge shall be extinguished. Any stipulation to the contrary shall be void (Art. 2110, NCC). Q: What is the presumption when the thing is found in the possession of the pledgor subsequent to the perfection of the pledge?

XPNs: a. If the pledgor had given him authority or permission to use it; b. If the use of the thing is necessary for its preservation but only for that purpose. 5.

A: There is prima facie presumption that the thing pledged has been returned by the pledgee to the pledgor or owner, in any of the following circumstances: 1. If the thing is found in the possession of the pledgor or owner after the pledge had been perfected; or 2. If the thing is found in the possession of a third person who received it from the pledgor or owner nd after the perfection of the pledge (2 par., Art. 2110, NCC).

Return the thing pledged to the pledgor when the principal obligation is fulfilled or satisfied it.

Q: Does the debtor continue to be the owner of the thing in case the same is expropriated by the State? A: No. Ownership is transferred to the expropriating authority. Note: The creditor may bring actions pertaining to the owner of the thing pledged in order to recover it from, or defend it against a third person (Art. 2103, NCC).

Note: It is presumed that the accessory obligation of pledge has been remitted when the thing pledged, after its delivery to the creditor, is found in the possession of the debtor, or of a third person who owns the thing (Art. 1274, NCC).

Q: Can the debtor ask for the return of the thing pledged against the will of the creditor?

Q: What is the requisite for the renunciation or abandonment of the pledge by the pledgee?

A: GR: No.

A: There must be a statement in writing to that effect (1 sentence, Art. 2111, NCC).

st

XPNs: 1. If the debtor has paid the debt and its interest, with expenses in a proper case (Art. 2105, NCC). 2. If the thing is in danger of destruction or impairment provided, the pledgor offers an acceptable substitute for it which is of the same kind and not of inferior quality and without prejudice to the application of Art. 2108 whenever warranted. (Art. 2107)

Note: The renunciation of the pledge is not contrary to law, public order, public policy, morals or good customs. Further, Art. 1356 of the NCC, which speaks of the form of contracts, must be complied with.

Q: Is acceptance or return of the thing necessary for the validity of the renunciation under Art. 2111? A: No. it is not a case of donation where acceptance is necessary to make the donation valid.

Q: Can the pledgee cause the sale of the thing pledged in public auction where the obligation is not yet due?

Q: Suppose the thing was not returned, is there extinction of the pledge?

A: Yes, if without the fault of the pledgee, there is danger of destruction, impairment or diminution in value of the thing pledged. The proceeds of the auction shall be security for the principal obligation in the same manner as the thing originally pledged (Art. 2108, NCC).

A: Yes. Even if the thing was not returned, as long as there is an effective renunciation, abandonment or waiver, the pledge is already extinguished. The pledgor is considered a depositor and the pledgee shall become a depositary of the thing. Accordingly, the law on deposit will apply.

Q: What are the rights of the creditor who is deceived on the substance or quality of the thing pledged? A: To demand: 1. from the pledgor an acceptable substitute of the thing; or 2. the immediate payment of the principal obligation (Art. 2109, NCC).

Q: What happens when the property was not sold at the first auction (such as when there are no participating bidders)? A: There will be another setting for the second auction following the same formalities.

Note: The remedies are alternative and not cumulative. Only one may be chosen. The law used the conjunctive “or”. Either one is more convenient than annulment.

393


CIVIL LAW Q: What is the remedy of the pledgee if no sale was effected on the second auction?

OBM and the measure of such damages is interest at the legal rate of 6% per annum on the amounts due and unpaid at the expiration of the periods respectively provided in the contracts (Integrated Realty Corp. v. PNB, G.R. No. 60705, June 28, 1989)

A: The pledgee is now allowed to appropriate the thing pledged. This is an exception to the prohibition against pactum commissorium.

Q: What is the rule when two or more things are pledged? Q: What is deed of acquittance? A: The pledgee may choose which he will cause to be sold, st unless there is a stipulation to the contrary (1 sentence, Art. 2119, NCC)

A: It is a document of the release or discharge of the pledgor from the entire obligation including interests and expenses. This shall be executed by the pledgee after appropriating the thing in case a no sale was made in a second auction.

Q: What is the restriction on the right of the pledgee st under the 1 sentence of Art. 2119?

Q: Who can bid in the public auction? A: 1. 2. 3.

A: He may only demand the sale of only as many of the nd things as are necessary for the payment of the debt (2 sentence, Art. 2119, NCC).

The public Pledgor/owner/debtor – shall be preferred if same terms as the highest bidder is offered Pledgee/creditor – he must not be the only bidder, otherwise, his bid is invalid and void

RIGHTS OF PLEDGOR Q: What are the rights of the pledgor? A: 1. Right to dispose the thing pledged, provided there is consent of the pledgee (Art. 2097, NCC)

Q: May a third person pay the pledgor’s debt? A: Yes, if he has any interest in the fulfillment of the principal obligation (Art. 2117, NCC).

Note: The pledge however, shall continue in possession.

Q: What is the rule when what has been pledged is a “credit”?

2.

Right to ask that the thing pledged be deposited (Art. 2104 and Art. 2106, NCC)

A: The pledgee may collect and receive the amount due. He shall apply the same to the payment of his claim, and deliver the surplus, should there be any, to the pledgor (Art. 2118, NCC).

3.

Right to substitute thing pledged (Art. 2107, NCC)

Q: Santos made time deposits with OBM. IRC, through its president Santos, applied for a loan with PNB. To secure the loan, Santos executed a Deed of Assignment of the time deposits in favor of PNB. When PNB tried to collect from OBM, the latter did not pay the CTDs. PNB then demanded payment from Santos and IRC, but the latter refused payment alleging that the obligation was deemed paid with the irrevocable assignment of the CTDs.

A: 1. 2. 3.

1. 2. A: 1.

2.

Q: When may the owner ask that the thing pledged be deposited judicially or extrajudicially?

Q: Does the pledgor have the right to demand the return of the thing pledged against the will of the creditor?

Is the liability of IRC deemed paid by virtue of the deed of assignment? Is OBM liable for damages

A: No. He cannot ask for its return until the obligation is fully paid including interest due thereon and expenses incurred for its preservation (Art. 2105, NCC) Q: What are the requisites before the pledgor may substitute the thing pledged with another thing?

No. For all intents and purposes, the deed of assignment in this case is actually a pledge. Where a CTD in a bank, payable at a future time, was handed over by a debtor to his creditor, it was not payment, unless there was an express agreement on the part of the creditor to receive it as such. Yes. While it is true that no interest shall be due unless it has been expressly stipulated in writing, this applies only to interest for the use of money. It does not comprehend interest paid as damages. Santos has the right to recover damages resulting from the default of UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

If the creditor uses the thing without authority If he misuses the the thing in any other way If the thing is in danger of being lost or impaired because of the negligence or willful act of the pledge (Art. 2106, NCC)

A: 1. 2. 3.

394

Pledgor has reasonable grounds to fear the destruction or impairment of the thing pledged; No fault on the part of the pledge Pledgor is offering in place of the thing, another thing in pledge which is of the same kind and quality as the former; and


Pledgee does not choose to exercise his right to cause the thing pledged to be sold at public auction (Art. 2107, NCC)

Q: What must the pledgee do before he may cause sale of the thing pledged? A: The pledgee must first make a demand of the amount for which the thing is retained. After the demand, the pledgee must proceed with the sale of the thing within thirty (30) days. Otherwise, the pledgor can require of him the return of the thing retained.

FORECLOSURE Q: When may a pledgee foreclose the thing pledged? A: When there is no payment of the debt on time, the object of the pledge may be alienated for the purpose of satisfying the claims of the pledgee.

Q: To whom will the remainder of the price pertain? A: The remainder of the price of sale shall be delivered to the obligor (Art. 2121).

Q: What is the procedure for the public sale of a thing pledged? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Q: What are the instances when the pledgor may demand that the thing pledged be deposited judicially or extrajudicially?

The obligation must be due and unpaid The sale of the thing pledged must be at public auction There must be notice to the pledgor and owner, stating the amount for which the sale is to be held The sale must be conducted by Notary Public.

A: 1. 2. 3.

PLEDGE BY OPERATION OF LAW

Creditor uses the thing without authority Creditor misuses the thing The thing is in danger of being lost or impaired due to the negligence or willful acts of the pledgee.

Q: What is a pledge created by operation of law?

Q: What are the effects of sale of the thing pledged?

A: Pledge by operation of law or Legal Pledges are those constituted or created by operation of law. This refers to the right of retention.

A: 1.

Q: What rules apply to legal pledge?

2.

A: 1. 2.

The rules governing conventional pledge applies. There is no definite period for the payment of the principal obligation. The pledge must, therefore, make a demand for the payment of the amount due him. Without such demand, he cannot exercise the right of sale at public auction. (De Leon)

3.

Q: What are the instances of legal pledges where there is right of retention? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

Art. 546 – Right of the possessor in good faith to retain the thing until refunded of necessary expenses. Art. 1707 – Lien on the goods manufactured or work done by a laborer until his wages had been paid. Art. 1731 – Right to retain of a worker who executed work upon a movable until he is paid. Art. 1914 – Right of an agent to retain the thing subject of the agency until reimbursed of his advances and damages (Arts. 1912 and 1913, NCC). Art. 1994 – Right of retention of a depositary until full payment of what is due him by reason of the deposit. Art. 2004 – Right of the hotel-keeper to retain things of the guest which are brought into the hotel, until his hotel bills had been paid.

Extinguish the principal obligation even if the proceeds of the sale do not satisfy the whole amount of the obligation. If proceeds from the sale exceed the amount due, the debtor is not entitled to the excess, the excess goes to the pledgee. This is to compensate him for the eventuality where the purchase price is lesser than the amount of the debt, wherein he cannot receive any deficiency unless there is a contrary agreement or in case of legal pledge, the pledgor is entitled to the excess If the proceeds of the sale is less than the amount due, the creditor has no right to recover the deficiency and the pledgor is not liable for the deficiency even if there is a stipulation that he be so liable. Such stipulation is void.

Q: What is the meaning of the right of the mortgagee or pledgee to foreclose? A: If the debtor failed to pay on maturity date, the thing pledged or mortgaged may be sold at public auction as provided by law so that the proceeds may be used for payment of the obligation.

395


CIVIL LAW PLEDGE DISTINGUISHED FROM MORTGAGE

to the principal Sale at public auction of the thing pledged is always extrajudicial Description of the thing and the date of pledge must appear in a public instrument otherwise, it is not valid as to third person

Q: Distinguish contract of pledge from chattel mortgage. A: CHATTEL MORTGAGE PLEDGE Delivery Delivery is not Delivery is necessary necessary Law governing the sale Procedure for the sale of the thing given as Art. 2112, NCC security is governed by Sec. 14, Act No. 1508 Excess If the property is sold, If the property is the debtor is not foreclosed, the excess entitled to the excess goes to the debtor unless otherwise agreed. Recovery of deficiency The creditor is entitled to recover the The creditor is not deficiency from the entitled to recover the debtor except if the deficiencynotwithstandi chattel mortgage is a ng any stipulation to the security for the contrary. purchase of property in installments Possession Possession remains with Possession is vested in the debtor the creditor Contract Formal contract Real contract Recording in a public instrument Must be in a public instrument containing Must be recorded in a description of the thing public instrument to pledged and the date bind third persons thereof to bind third persons

Not a real right

Real right and real property by itself

Q: What is real estate mortgage (REM)? A: It is a contract whereby the debtor secures to the creditor the fulfillment of the principal obligation, specially subjecting to such security immovable property or real rights over immovable property in case the principal obligation is not fulfilled at the time stipulated. Q: State the essence of a contract of mortgage? A: The essence of a contract of mortgage indebtedness is that a property has been identified or set apart from the mass of the property of the debtor-mortgagor as security for the payment of money or the fulfillment of an obligation to answer the amount of indebtedness in case of default of payment. Q: What are the requisites for valid constitution of a real mortgage? A: 1. 2. 3.

It covers only immovable property and alienable real rights imposed upon immovables It must appear in a public instrument Registration in the Registry of Property is necessary to rd bind 3 persons

Q: What are the kinds of real mortgages? A: 1.

A:

Real contract Subject matter is personal property Possession of the thing pledged is vested in the creditor Pledgee has the right to receive the fruits of the thing pledged, with the obligation of applying the same to the interest of the debt, if owing, and the balance, if any,

Must be registered, otherwise, it is not valid against third persons although binding between the parties

REAL MORTGAGE

Q: Distinguish contract of pledge from real estate mortgage.

PLEDGE

Sale may be judicial or extrajudicial

REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE Consensual contract Subject matter is real property Possession of the thing mortgaged remains with the debtor

2. 3.

Conventional mortgages – constituted voluntarily by the contracting parties. Legal mortgage – required by law. Equitable mortgage – intention of the parties is to make the immovable as a security for the performance of the obligation but the formalities of a real mortgage are not complied with.

Q: Distinguish contract of real estate mortgage from contract of sale with right of repurchase. A: REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE

Mortgagee does not possess such right


Accessory contract

396

SALE WITH RIGHT OF REPURCHASE Principal and independent contract

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS There is no transfer of title and possession of the property Creditor has no right to the fruits of the property during the pendency of the mortgage If the debtor fails to pay his debt, the creditor cannot appropriate the property mortgaged nor dispose of it

There is transfer of title and possession of the property, although conditional

Note: It is a clause which operates as a convenience and accommodation to the borrowers as it makes available additional funds without their having to execute additional security documents, thereby saving time, travel, loan closing costs, costs of extra legal services, recording fees etc.

The vendee a retro is entitled to the fruits even during the period of redemption

Q: How do you construe such clause? A: It must be carefully scrutinized and strictly construed particularly where the mortgage contract is one of adhesion.

As soon as there is a consolidation of title in the vendee a retro, he may dispose of it as an absolute owner

Note: 1.

Q: Is registration of mortgage a matter of right? A: Yes. By executing the mortgage, the mortgagor is understood to have given his consent to its registration, and he cannot be permitted to revoke it unilaterally.

2.

3.

Q: What is the meaning of mortgage as a real and inseparable right? A: The mortgage directly and immediately subjects the property upon which it is imposed, whoever the possessor may be, to the fulfillment of the obligation for whose security it was constituted (Art. 2126, NCC).

4.

Q: What are the things that are deemed included in the mortgage? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

A mortgage must sufficiently describe the debt sought to be secured, and an obligation is not secured by a mortgage unless it comes fairly within the terms of the mortgage. Where the intention of the mortgagor is to secure a larger amount, the action to foreclose may be for the larger amount. But where the obligation is not a series of indeterminate sums incurred over a period of time but 2 specific amounts procured in a single instance, what applies is the general rule state above that an action to foreclose a mortgage must be limited to the amount mentioned in the mortgage. A mortgage given to secure future advancements is a continuing security and is not discharged by the repayment of the amount named in the mortgage, until the full amount of the advancements is paid. It permitted the mortgagor to take the money as it is needed and thus avoid the necessity of paying interest until the necessity for its use actually arises.

Q: Is the amount stated in the contract controlling in case of mortgage securing future advancements?

Natural accessions Improvements Growing fruits Rents Income Insurance proceeds Expropriation price (Art. 2127, NCC)

A: No. The amount named in the contract does not limit the amount for which the mortgage stand as a security, if, from the four corners of the instrument the intent to secure future and other indebtedness can be gathered. Q: Petitioner obtained a loan of P20K from defendant Rural Bank of Kawit. The loan was secured by a REM over a parcel of land. The mortgage contract states that the mortgage will cover the payment of the loan of P20K and such other loans or other advances already obtained or to be obtained by the mortgagors from the bank. The loan of P20k was fully paid. Thereafter they again obtained a loan of P18K, secured by the same mortgage. The spouses defaulted. The bank extra judicially foreclosed the mortgage. Was the foreclosure sale valid?

Q: When does the mortgage lien attach in case of new or future improvements? A: On the date of the registration of the mortgage (Luzon Lumber and Hardware Co., Inc, v. Quiambao, G.R. No. L5638, Mar. 20, 1954). Q: What is dragnet clause? A: It is a mortgage provision which is specifically phrased to subsume all debts of past or future origin. It is a valid and legal undertaking, and the amounts specified as consideration in the contracts do not limit the amount for which the pledge or mortgage stands as security, if from the four corners of the instrument, the intent to secure future and other indebtedness can be gathered. A pledge or mortgage given to secure future advancements is a continuing security and is not discharged by the repayment of the amount named in the mortgage until the full amount of all advancements shall have been paid (Premiere Development Bank v. Central Surety & Insurance, Inc., G.R. No. 176246 [2009]).

A: Yes. It has long been settled that mortgages given to secure future advancements are valid and legal contracts; that the amounts named as consideration in said contract do not limit the amount for which the mortgage may stand as security, if from the four corners of the instrument the intent to secure future and other indebtedness can be gathered. A mortgage given to secure advancement is a continuing security and is not discharged by repayment of the amount named in the mortgage, until the full amount of the advancements is paid (Mojica v. CA, G.R. No. 94247, Sept. 11, 1991).

397


CIVIL LAW Q: May a mortgage credit be alienated or assigned to a third person?

Q: Does an action for foreclosure of mortgage survive the death of mortgagor?

A: Yes, in whole or in part, with the formalities required by law (Art. 2128, NCC).

A: Yes, because the claim is not a pure money claim but an action to enforce a mortgage lien. Being so, the judgment rendered therein may be enforced by a writ of execution. The action may be prosecuted by the interested person against the executor or administrator independently of the testate or intestate proceedings of the settlement of the mortgagor’s estate “for the reason that such claims cannot in any just sense be considered claims against the estate, but the right to subject specific property to the claim arises from the contract of the debtor whereby he has during life set aside certain property for its payment, and such property does not, except in so far as its value may exceed the debt, belong to the estate” (Testamentaria de Don Amadeo Matute Olave v. Canlas, No. L-12709, Feb. 28, 1962).

Q: What are the requisites to be followed for assignment of credit? A: An assignment of a credit, right or action shall produce no effect as against third persons, unless it appears in a public instrument, or the instrument is recorded in the Registry of Property in case the assignment involves real property (Art. 1625, NCC). Q: May the creditor claim from the third person in possession of the property payment of the credit? A: Yes, up to the extent secured by the property which the third party possesses, in terms and with the formalities which the law establishes (Art. 2129, NCC).

Q: What are the options or remedies of the mortgagee in case of death of the debtor?

Q: Is a stipulation forbidding the owner from alienating the immovable mortgaged valid?

A: 1.

A: No. The prohibition to alienate is contrary to public good inasmuch as the transmission of property should not be unduly impeded (Report, Code Commission, p. 58).

2. 3.

Q: What are the laws that govern contract of real mortgage? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

New Civil Code Mortgage Law Property Registration Decree (PD 1529) Sec. 194, as amended by Act No. 3344, Revised Administrative Code (Phil. Bank of Commerce v. De Vera, G.R. No. L-18816, Dec. 29, 1962) R.A. 4882 – law governing aliens who become mortgagees.

To waive the mortgage and claim the entire debt from the estate of the mortgagor as an ordinary claim; To foreclose the mortgage judicially and prove any deficiency as an ordinary claim; or To rely on the mortgage exclusively, foreclosing the same at any time before it is barred by prescription, without right to file claim for any deficiency (Maglaque v. Planters Development Bank, GR No. 109472, May 18, 1999).

Q: When is judicial foreclosure considered completed? A: A foreclosure sale is not complete until it is confirmed and before such confirmation, the court retains control of the proceedings by exercising sound discretion in regard to it either granting or withholding confirmation as the rights and interests of the parties and the ends of justice may require (Rural Bank of Oroquieta v. CA, No. 53466, Nov. 10, 1980).

FORECLOSURE Q: What are the effects of confirmation of sale? Q: What is foreclosure? A: There can be no redemption of the property after confirmation. Such confirmation retroacts to the date of the auction sale. After the confirmation, the previous owners lose any right they may have had over the property, which rights in turn vested on the Purchaser of the property (Lonzame v. Amores, No. L-53620, Jan. 31, 1985).

A: It is a remedy available to the mortgagee in which he subjects the mortgaged property to the satisfaction of the obligation. Q: What are the kinds of foreclosure? A: 1. 2.

Note: GR: The redemption must be made within one year after the sale, if the mortgagee is a bank, banking or credit institutions (Sec. 78, R.A. 337).

Judicial – governed by Rule 68, Rules of Court Extrajudicial– mortgagee is given a SPA to sell the mortgaged property (Act No. 3135)

XPN:,If the mortgagor is a juridical person, it can exercise the right to redeem the foreclosed property until, but not after, the registration of the certificate of foreclosure sale or within three months after foreclosure, whichever is earlier. Thereafter, such mortgagor loses its right of redemption (Sec. 47, General Banking Law)

Q: What is the nature of judicial foreclosure? A: It is an action quasi in rem (Ocampo v. Domalanta, 20 SCRA 1136).


398

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Q: What is the basis of extrajudicial foreclosure?

of paying subscribers, and that it is published at regular intervals. The newspaper must be available to the public in general, and not just to a select few chosen by the publisher. Otherwise, the precise objective of publishing the notice of sale in the newspaper will not be realized. (Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, Inc. v. Eugenio Peñafiel, G.R. No. 173976, Feb. 27, 2009)

A: An extrajudicial foreclosure may only be effected if in the mortgage contract covering a real estate, a clause is incorporated therein giving the mortgagee the power, upon default of the debtor, to foreclose the mortgage by an extrajudicial sale of the mortgage property (Sec. 1, Act No. 3135, as amended by Act No. 4148).

Q: When is a paper deemed a newspaper of general circulation?

The authority to sell may be done in a separate document but annexed to the contract of mortgage. The authority is not extinguished by the death of the mortgagor or mortgagee as it is an essential and inseparable part of a bilateral agreement (Perez v. PNB, No. L-21813, July 30, 1966).

A: 1. 2.

Q: How is extrajudicial foreclosure initiated?

3. 4.

A: By filing a petition with the office of the sheriff. It may also be initiated through a Notary Public commissioned in the place where the property is situated. 5. Note: Notice containing the place and date is required before an auction sale is made in extrajudicial foreclosure. (Sec. 3, Act No. 3135)

It must be published for the dissemination of local news and general information; It must have a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers; It must be published at regular intervals; and It must be available to the public in general and not just to a select few chosen by the publisher, otherwise, the precise objective of publication of notice of sale will not be realized; It must not be devoted to the interests or published for the entertainment of a particular profession, trade, calling, race or religion.

Q: What are the requisites of notice of sheriff’s sale?

Q: Can the publication and posting requirements be waived?

A: It must contain the correct number of the certificate of title and the correct technical description of the real property to be sold (San Jose v. CA, GR No. 106953, Aug. 19, 1993).

A: No, they are imbued with public policy considerations and any waiver thereon would be inconsistent with the intent and letter of the law. It would thus be converting into a private sale what ought to be a public auction.

Q: Where should the notice be posted?

Q: May a mortgagor enjoin the implementation of a writ of possession on the ground that there is a pending case for annulment of the extrajudicial foreclosure of the REM?

A: The notice of sale should be posted in at least 3 public places in the city or municipality where the property is situated: a. b. c.

A: No. As a rule, any question regarding the validity of the mortgage or its foreclosure cannot be a legal ground for refusing the issuance of a writ of possession. Regardless of whether or not there is a pending suit for annulment of the mortgage or the foreclosure itself, the purchaser is entitled to a writ of possession, without prejudice to the outcome of the case. Hence, an injunction to prohibit the issuance of writ of possession is entirely out of place. Prohibition does not lie to enjoin the implementation of a writ of possession. Once the writ of possession has been issued, the trial court has no alternative but to enforce the writ without delay (Sps. Ong v. CA, G.R. No. 121494, June 8, 2000).

Sheriff’s Office; Assessor’s Office; and Register of Deed

Q: What is the purpose of notice of sale? A: To inform the public of the nature and condition of the property sold, and of the time, place and terms of the sale. Q: MBTC granted a loan to spouses Peñafiel, who mortgaged their two (2) parcels of land in Mandaluyong. The spouses defaulted in the payment. MBTC instituted an extrajudicial foreclosure proceeding under Act No. 3135. The Notice of Sale was published in Maharlika Pilipinas, which has no business permit in Mandaluyong and its list of subscribers shows that there were no subscribers from Mandaluyong. Did MBTC comply with the publication requirement under Section 3, Act No. 3135?

Q: Can the mortgagee recover the deficiency? A: If there be a balance due to the mortgagee after applying the proceeds of the sale, the mortgagee is entitled to recover the deficiency (DBP v. Mirang, G.R. No. L-29130, Aug. 8, 1975). Note: In judicial foreclosure, the Rules of Court specifically gives the mortgagee the right to claim for deficiency in case a deficiency exists (Sec. 6, Rule 70).

A: No. Maharlika Pilipinas is not a newspaper of general circulation in Mandaluyong where the property is located. To be a newspaper of general circulation, it is enough that it is published for the dissemination of local news and general information, that it has a bona fide subscription list

While Act No. 3135 governing extrajudicial foreclosures of mortgage does not give a mortgagee the right to recover deficiency

399


CIVIL LAW after the public auction sale, neither does it expressly or

Q: What are the requisites for valid right of redemption?

impliedly prohibit such recovery. A: 1.

Q: What is stipulation of upset price? A: It is a stipulation of minimum price at which the property shall be sold to become operative in the event of a foreclosure sale at public auction. It is null and void.

2.

REDEMPTION 3. Q: What is redemption? A: Transaction by which the mortgagor reacquires or buys back the property which may have passed under the mortgage or divests the property of the lien which the mortgage may have created.

Note: The redemptioner should make an actual tender in good faith of the full amount of the purchase price as provided above, i.e., the amount fixed by the court in the order of execution or the amount due under the mortgage deed, as the case may be, with interest thereon at the rate specified in the mortgage, and all the costs, and judicial and other expenses incurred by the bank or institution concerned by reason of the execution and sale and as a result of the custody of said property less the income received from the property (Heirs of Quisimbing v. PNB, G.R. No. 178242, Jan. 20, 2009).

Q: What are the kinds of redemption? A: 1.

2.

Must be made within one year from the time of the registration of the sale. Payment of the purchase price of the property plus 1% interest per month together with the taxes thereon, if any, paid by the purchaser with the same rate of interest computed from the date of registration of the sale; and Written notice of the redemption must be served on the officer who made the sale and a duplicate filed with the proper Register of Deeds (Rosales v. Yboa, G.R. No. L-42282, Feb. 28, 1983).

Equity of redemption – right of mortgagor to redeem the mortgaged property after his default in the performance of the conditions of the mortgage but before the sale of the mortgaged property or confirmation of sale. It applies in case of judicial foreclosure. Right of redemption – right of the mortgagor to redeem the mortgaged property within one year from the date of registration of the certificate of sale. It applies in case of extrajudicial foreclosure.

Q: Is the period of redemption a prescriptive period? A: No. The period of redemption is not a prescriptive period but a condition precedent provided by law to restrict the right of the person exercising redemption. If a person exercising the right of redemption has offered to redeem the property within the period fixed, he is considered to have complied with the condition precedent prescribed by law and may thereafter bring an action to enforce redemption.

Q: X and Y, judgment creditors of A, obtained the transfer of the title of the mortgaged property in their names. Earlier, A executed a mortgage over the same property in favor of FGU Insurance. The latter mortgage was registered. When A defaulted, FGU foreclosed the property. A certificate of sale was thereafter issued in FGU’s favor, which was confirmed by the RTC. However, before the new TCT could be issued, X and Y filed their respective motion for intervention and to set aside the judgment alleging that they are the new owners of the property and the failure of FGU to implead X and Y in the action for foreclosure deprived the latter of due process. Is the contention of X and Y correct?

If, on the other hand, the period is allowed to lapse before the right of redemption is exercised, then the action to enforce redemption will not prosper, even if the action is brought within the ordinary prescriptive period. Q: D obtained a loan from C secured by a REM over a parcel of land. When D defaulted, C extrajudicially foreclosed the property. C was declared the highest bidder in the auction. On October 29, 1993, C caused the registration of the certificate of sale. On November 9, 1994 D filed a complaint for annulment of the extrajudicial foreclosure and auction sale. Can D redeem the property beyond the one year redemption period?

A: No. Subordinate lien holders acquire only a lien upon the equity of redemption vested in the mortgagor, and their rights are strictly subordinate to the superior lien of the mortgagee. Such equity of redemption does not constitute a bar to the registration of the property in the name of the mortgagee. Registration may be granted in the name of the mortgagee but subject to the subordinate lien holders’ equity of redemption, which should be exercised within ninety (90) days from the date the decision becomes final. This registration is merely a necessary consequence of the execution of the final deed of sale in the foreclosure proceedings (Looyuko v. CA, G.R. No. 102696, July 12, 2001).

A: No. D lost any right or interest over the subject property primarily because of his failure to redeem the same in the manner and within the period prescribed by law. His belated attempt to question the legality and validity of the foreclosure proceedings and public auction must accordingly fail. (Sps. Landrito v. CA G.R. No. 133079, Aug. 9, 2005) Q: Can a mortgagor, whose property has been extrajudicially foreclosed and sold, validly execute a


400

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS mortgage contract over the same property in favor of a third party during the period of redemption? A: Yes.The purchaser at the foreclosure sale merely acquires an inchoate right to the property which could ripen into ownership only upon the lapse of the redemption period without his credit having been discharged, it is illogical to hold that during that same period of twelve months the mortgagor was "divested" of his ownership, since the absurd result would be that the land will consequently be without an owner although it remains registered in the name of the mortgagor. Such mortgage does not involve a transfer, cession or conveyance of the property but only constitutes a lien thereon (Medida v. CA, G.R. No. 98334, May 8, 1992). Q: DBP guaranteed LCD’s loan. When LCD defaulted, DBP paid it and sought reimbursement. LCD failed to reimburse DBP, hence DBP extrajudicially foreclosed the REM, where it was the highest bidder. The Sheriff’s certificate of sale was annotated in the certificate of titles on April 30, 1976. La Campana failed to redeem the properties. The court, among others, ordered LCD to pay such sums of money unlawfully collected or received by way of rentals and/or fruits from the subject properties to DBP. When should the period for the remittance of collected/received rentals/fruits from the properties, of LCD to DBP start? A: In foreclosure proceedings, the buyer becomes the absolute owner of the property purchased if it is not redeemed during the prescribed period of redemption, which is one year from the date of registration of the sale. The Sheriff’s certificate of sale was annotated in the certificate of titles on April 30, 1976. DBP became the absolute owner of the properties on May 1, 1977. Thus, the period to be considered in determining the amount of collection should start from May 1, 1997 up to the time when the possession of the properties are actually and completely surrendered to DBP (La Campana Development Corporation v. DBP, G.R. No. 146157, Feb. 13, 2009).

401


CIVIL LAW Flowchart of Extra-judicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage

Execution of loan + REM agreement (REMwith built-in SPA to sell in case of default)

Default of mortgagor for non-payment or violation of the terms of the loan or REM agreement

Filing of petition for sale with Clerk of Court

Publication / posting of notice / jurisdictional requirements

Once a week for 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation

Foreclosure sale

Registration of the sale with Registry of Deeds

Note: The redemption price: If the mortgagee is a bank: outstanding obligation

One year redemption period + interest stipulated in the agreement + cost and expenses incurred Consolidation of title by filing affidavit with Registry of Deeds (operative document)

– income derived

If the mortgagee is not a bank: Cancellation of title of the mortgagor and issuance of new title in favor of mortgagee

Bid price + 12% interest per annum Note: if after the expiration of the redemption period, the petition for writ of possession is mandatory or ministerial but before the expiration of the redemption period, such writ is only discretionary

Petition for writ of possession


402

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Flowchart for Judicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage (Rule 68, 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure) Complaint with the court. Include subsequent lien holders, otherwise equity of redemption will not be divested. (Lampin v. IAC, No. L70987, Sept. 29, 1988))

Mortgagee to file motion for confirmation of sale

Hearing

Execution sale

Issuance of order confirming the sale (order is appealable) (Ocampo v. Dimalanta, No. L21011, Aug. 30, 1967)

Judgment

Upon failure to pay, mortgagee to file motion for execution foreclosing mortgage

Registration of the order confirming the sale

Wait for finality of order

* If mortgagee/bidder is bank or credit institution, mortgagor has one more year from registration of order confirming the sale + certificate of sale to redeem the property.

Entry of judgment

90 days – 120 days from entry of judgment for mortgagor to pay his debt, as determined by court

Cancellation of the title of the mortgagor/issuance of new title to the mortgagee

Secure a writ of possession, by motion, from the same court that ordered the foreclosure

Note: GR:In judicial foreclosure, there is only equity of redemption. XPN: If the mortgagee is a bank or credit institution, there is one year right of redemption.

Equity of redemption – right of the mortgagor not to be divested of the ownership of the mortgaged property and to stop the foreclosure sale by paying the mortgagee debt within 90-120 days from entry of judgment and even beyond, until finality of order confirming the sale.

403


CIVIL LAW ANTICHRESIS

Q: Distinguish antichresis from: 1. Real estate mortgage; 2. Pledge; and 3. Pacto de retro sale.

Q: What is antichresis? A: It is a contract whereby the creditor acquires the right to receive the fruits of an immovable of the debtor, with the obligation to apply them to the payment of interest, if owing, and thereafter to the principal of his credit.

A: ANTICHRESIS

Q: What are the characteristics of antichresis?

Property is delivered to creditor

A: 1. 2.

Creditor acquires only the right to receive the fruits of the property; does not produce a real right unless registered in the Registry Property Creditor obliged to pay the taxes and charges upon the estate unless stipulated otherwise There is an express stipulation that the creditor shall apply the fruits to the payment of the interest, if owing, and thereafter to the principal of the debt.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Accessory contract. Formal contract – the amount of the principal and of the interest must both be in writing; otherwise the contract of antichresis is void. It deals only with immovable property. It is a real right. The creditor has the right to receive the fruits of the immovable. It is a real contract. It can guarantee all kinds of valid obligations.

Note: It is not essential that the loan should earn interest in order that it can be guaranteed with a contract of antichresis. Antichresis is susceptible of guaranteeing all kinds of obligations, pure or conditional [Javier v. Valliser, (CA) N. 2648-R, Apr. 29, 1950; Sta. Rosa v. Noble, 35 O.G. 27241]

A stipulation authorizing the antichretic creditor to appropriate the property upon the non-payment of the debt within the period agreed upon is void (Art. 2038, NCC). Q: What is the form of a contract of antichresis and its contents? A: FDA-Pa 1. Covers only the Fruits of real property 2.

Delivery of the property necessary so that CR may receive the fruits therefrom Note: Delivery of the property to the creditor is required only in order that the creditor may receive the fruits and not for the validity of the contract.

3.

Amount of principal and interest must be specified in writing, otherwise, the contract shall be void.

4.

Express agreement that debtor will give Possession to the CR and that CR will apply the fruits to the interest and then to the principal.

Creditor has no right to receive fruits, but mortgage creates real right against the property Creditor has no such obligation

There is no such obligation on the part of the mortgagee

ANTICHRESIS Refers to real property Formal Principal and interest must be specified in writing, otherwise contract is void

PLEDGE Personal property Real Need not be in writing, oral evidence may be allowed to prove the same.

ANTICHRESIS Creditor is given the right to enjoy the fruits and apply them to the payment of the interest and to the principal of the loan

PACTO DE RETRO SALE

Creditor does not have such right

Q: Is prescription as a mode of acquiring ownership available to the creditor in antichresis? A: No. His possession of the property is not in the concept of an owner but that of a mere holder during the existence of the contract (Ramirez v. CA, G.R. No. L-38185, September 24, 1986).

Note: The fruits of the immovable which is the object of the antichresis must be appraised at their actual market value at the time of the application (Art. 2138).The property delivered stands as a security for the payment of the obligation of the debtor in antichresis. Hence, the debtor cannot demand its return until the debt is totally paid.


REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE Debtor usually retains possession of the property

Q: How should the amount of payment in antichresis be determined? A: The actual market value of the fruits at the time of the application thereof to the interest and the principal shall be the measure of such application (Art. 2133, NCC).

404

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Q: Who are the parties to a contract of antichresis? A: 1. 2.

CHATTEL MORTGAGE Q: What is a chattel mortgage?

Antichretic creditor – one who receives the fruits on the immovable property of the debtor. Antichretic debtor – one who pays his debt through the application of the fruits of his immovable property.

A: It is a contract by virtue of which personal property is recorded in the Chattel Mortgage Register as a security for the performance of an obligation.

Q: What are the obligations of an antichretic creditor?

Q: What are the characteristics of chattel mortgage?

A: To: 1.

A: 1.

2. 3. 4.

pay the taxes and charges assessable against the property like real estate taxes and others; bear the necessary expenses for the preservation of the property; bear the expenses necessary for the repair of the property; and apply the fruits received for payment of the outstanding interests, if any, and thereafter of the principal.

2.

It is an accessory contract because its existence depends upon an existing valid principal obligation;

3.

It is a unilateral contract because the obligation is only on the part of the creditor to free the chattel from encumbrance upon the payment of the principal obligation;

4.

It does not convey dominion but is only a security (In re: Du Tec Chuan, No. 11156, March 28, 1916);

5.

It creates a real right or a lien which is being recorded and follows the chattel wherever it goes (Northern Motors, Inc. v. Coquia, No. L-40018, Dec. 15, 1975).

Q: What is the rule on the application of the fruit upon the debt? A: It must be expressly agreed between the creditor and the debtor that the former, having been given possession of the properties given as security, is to apply their fruits to the payment of interest, if owing, and thereafter to the principal of his credit (Art. 2132, Civil Code). Q: When can the antichretic debtor reacquire the possession of his property?

Q: What are the requisites in a chattel mortgage? A: 1.

A: The debtor can only demand the return of the property after having fully paid his obligations to the creditor. It is not fair for the debtor to regain the possession of the property when his debt has not been fully paid. Until there is full payment of the obligation, the property shall stand as security therefor (Macapinlac v. Gutierrez Repide, No. 18574, Sept. 20, 1922).

GR: It covers only movable property XPN: When the parties treat as personalty that which is according to its nature realty.

2. 3. 4.

Q: How can the creditor be exempted from the obligations imposed by Art. 2135?

Registration with the Chattel Mortgage Register. Description of the property. rd Accompanied by an affidavit of good faith to bind 3 persons.

Note: The absence of an affidavit of good faith does not affect the validity of the contract.

A: The creditor may compel the debtor to re-enter into the property.

Q: What are the laws that govern chattel mortgages?

Note: Article 2135. The creditor, unless, there is a stipulation to the contrary, is obliged to pay the taxes and charges upon the estate. He is also bound to bear the expenses necessary for its preservation and repair.

A: 1. 2.

Q: What is the remedy of the creditor in case of nonpayment of his credit? A: File: 1. 2.

It is a formal contract because it must be embodied in a public instrument and recorded in the Chattel Mortgage Register;

Chattel Mortgage Law (Act No. 1508) Provisions of the Civil Code on pledge Note: In case of conflict between nos. 1 and 2, the former shall prevail.

3. 4. 5. 6.

an action for collection; or a petition for the public sale of the property (Barretto v. Barretto, No. 11933, Dec. 1, 1917).

405

Revised Administrative Code Revised Penal Code (Art. 319) Other special laws (i.e. Motor vehicle law) Ship Mortgage Decree of 1978 (P.D. No. 1521)


CIVIL LAW Q: What are the similarities between chattel mortgage and pledge?

Q: Distinguish contract of chattel mortgage from contract of real estate mortgage

A:

A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Both are executed to secure performance of a principal obligation; Both are constituted only on personal property; Both are indivisible; Both constitute a lien on the property; In both cases, the creditor cannot appropriate the property to himself in payment of the debt; When the debtor defaults, the property must be sold for the payment of the creditor Extinguished by the fulfillment of the principal obligation or by the destruction of the property pledged or mortgaged.

REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE Subject matter Personal property Real property As to Guaranty of Future Obligations Cannot guaranty future obligations because it May guaranty future requires immediate obligations recording CHATTEL MORTGAGE

REGISTRATION Q: What is the legal significance of registration?

Q: What may be the subject matter of chattel mortgage? A: 1. 2. 3.

4.

5.

6. 7.

A: It is tantamount to the symbolic delivery of the mortgage to the mortgagee, which is equivalent to actual delivery (Meyers v. Thein, No. 5577, Feb. 21, 1910).

Shares of stock in a corporation; Interest in business; Machinery and house of mixed materials treated by parties as personal property and no innocent third person will be prejudiced thereby (Makati Leasing and Finance Corp. v. Weaver Textile Mills, Inc., No. L-58469, May, 16, 1983); Vessels, the mortgage of which have been recorded with the Philippine Coast Guard in order to be effective as to third persons; Motor vehicles, the mortgage of which had been registered both with the Land Transportation Commission and the Chattel Mortgage Registry in order to affect third persons; House which is intended to be demolished; or Growing crops and large cattle (pars. 2 and 3, Sec. 7, Act No. 1508).

Q: What s the period within which the registration should be made? A: The law does not provide any specific time. Yet, the law is substantially and sufficiently complied with where the registration is made by the mortgagee before the mortgagor has complied with his principal obligation and no right of innocent third persons is prejudiced. Q: What is the difference in registration of real mortgage and chattel mortgage? A: A deed of real estate mortgage is considered registered once recorded in the entry book. However, chattel mortgage must be registered not only in the entry book but also in the Chattel Mortgage Register (Associated Insurance and Surety Co. v. Lim Ang, (CA) 52 Off. Gaz. 5218).

Note: Section 7 of the Chattel Mortgage Law does not demand specific description of every chattel mortgaged in the deed of mortgage, but only requires that the description of the mortgaged property be such as to enable the parties to the mortgage or any other person to identify the same after a reasonable investigation and inquiry (Saldana v. Phil. Guaranty Co., Inc., No. L-13194, Jan. 29, 1960); otherwise, the mortgage is invalid.

Q: When should the registration of the chattel mortgage be made? A: The law is silent on the time or period when registration should be made. The Court of Appeals has held though that “the law is substantially and sufficiently complied with where the registration is made by the mortgagee before the mortgagor has complied with his principal obligation and no right of innocent third persons is prejudiced (Ledesma v. Perez, 2 C.A. Rep. 126).

Q: What is affidavit of good faith? A: It is an oath in a contract of chattel mortgage wherein the parties “severally swear that the mortgage is made for the purpose of securing the obligation specified in the conditions thereof and for no other purposes and that the same is a just and valid, existing obligation and one not entered into for the purpose of fraud.”

Q: In case of foreclosure sale in chattel mortgage, may the creditor recover deficiency if the redemption price is less than the debt secured?

Note: The absence of the affidavit vitiates the mortgage only as against third persons without notice like creditors and subsequent encumbrances, but its absence is not fatal between the parties.

A: GR: CR may recover deficiency. XPN: When the chattel mortgage is used to secure the purchase of personal property in installments (Recto Law).


406

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Q: What is the effect of an increase in mortgage credit?

chattel mortgage but such is binding only between them and not on third parties. As far as third parties are concerned, the chattel mortgage does not exist.

A: If the parties to a chattel mortgage take an oath that the debt, honestly due and owing from the mortgagor to the mortgagee, it is obvious that a valid mortgage cannot be made to secure a debt to be thereafter contracted (11 C.J. 448). A mortgage that contains a stipulation in regard to future advances in the credit will take effect only from the date of the mortgage. The increase in the mortgage credit becomes a new mortgage (Belgian Catholic Missionaries v. Magallanes Press, No. 25729, Nov. 24, 1926).

QUASI-CONTRACTS Q: What is a Quasi-Contract? A: Quasi-contracts are lawful, voluntary, and unilateral acts which generally require a person to reimburse or compensate another in accordance with the principle that no one shall be unjustly enriched at the expense of another. (Art. 2142, NCC)

Q: What is the effect of obtaining a personal judgment on the mortgage lien?

Q: What are the bases for quasi-contracts? A: the mortgage lien is deemed abandoned. A: 1.

Q: What are the offenses involving chattel mortgage? A: 1.

2.

2. 3. 4.

Knowingly removing any personal property mortgaged under the Chattel Mortgage Law to any province or city other than the one in which it was located at the time of the execution of the mortgage without the written consent of the mortgagee; or Selling or pledging personal property already mortgaged, or any part thereof, under the terms of the Chattel Mortgage Law without the consent of the mortgagee written on the back of the mortgage and duly recorded in the Chattel Mortgage Register (Art. 319, RPC).

No one must unjustly enrich himself at another’s expense if one benefits, he must reimburse justice and equity presumed consent of the person obliged to compensate (p. 347 Pineda) NEGOTIORUM GESTIO

Q: What is Negotiorum Gestio? A: This is a kind of quasi-contract where someone called the gestor takes the management of the business or property of another person known as owner without the consent or authority of the latter.

FORECLOSURE Q: What are the essential requisites for negostiorum gestio?

Q: What is the procedure in foreclosure of a chattel mortgage?

A: 1. 2.

A: The mortgagee may, after thirty (30) days from the time of the default or from the time the condition is violated, cause the mortgaged property to be sold at public auction by a public officer (Sec. 14, Act No. 1508)

3.

The 30-day period to foreclose a chattel mortgage is the minimum period after violation of the mortgage condition for the mortgage

4. 5.

The creditor has at least ten (10) days notice served to the mortgagor

Taking charge of another’s business or property The property or business must have been abandoned or neglected The officious manager (gestor) must not have been expressly or implicitly authorized The officious manager (gestor) must have voluntarily taken charge The officious manager or gestor must not be acting erroneously on the belief that he is the owner of the property or business.

Q: What is the required diligence from a gestor? The notice of time, place and purpose of such sale, is posted

A: Diligence of a good father of a family (Art. 2145, NCC). Hence, a gestor is liable for the acts or negligence of his employees (MRR Co. v. Compania Transatlantica, 38 Phil. 875).

After the sale of the chattel at public auction, the right of redemption is no longer available to the mortgagor (Cabral v. Evangelista, 28 L-26860, July 30, 1969).

Note: GR: If there are two or more officious managers, their liability for their acts is solidary.

Q: What are the legal consequences of establishing a chattel mortgage over a building erected not by the owner of the land?

XPN: When the management was assumed by the officious managers to save the property or business from imminent danger, in which case, the liability is only joint.

A: A building is immovable or real property whether it is erected by the owner of the land, by a usufructuary, or by a lessee. It may be treated as a movable by the parties to a

407


CIVIL LAW Q: What is the effect of ratification of the owner of the business?

Q: Can solutio indebiti be applied because of doubtful or difficult question of law?

A: Ratification produces the effect of an express agency; and this is true even if the business is not successful (Art 2149, NCC).

A: Yes, there can be payment because of “doubtful or difficult question of law” may lead to solutio indebiti because of the mistake committed. (Art. 2155, NCC)

Q: What are the liabilities of the owner even if there is no ratification?

Q: What is the liability of a person who accepts an undue payment in bad faith?

A: 1. 2.

A: 1. He shall pay legal interest if a sum of money is involved, or shall be liable for fruits received or which should have been received if the thing produces fruits.

3.

Liability for the obligation incurred in his interest. Liability for necessary and useful expenses and for damages. Damages suffered by the gestor while performing his duties as such. (Art 2150, NCC)

2. He shall furthermore be answerable for any loss or impairment of the thing from any cause, and for damages to the person who delivered the thing, until it is recovered (Art. 2159).

Q: What is the rule if the owner is a minor? A: Even if the owner is a minor, he is still liable under the article for he should not be unjustly enriched at another’s expense (Rotea v. Delupio, 67 Phil. 330)

Q: What is the effect of acceptance in good faith if there was mistake in the payment?

Q: What are management?

A: 1.

A: 1. 2. 3.

the

causes

for

extinguishment

of

2. Repudiation or termination of the management by the owner himself; Withdrawal of gestor from the management; and Death, civil interdiction, insanity or insolvency of either party.

3.

In case of impairment or loss, liability is only to the extent of benefit (Art. 2160). In case of alienation, the price is to be reimbursed, or in case of credit, the same should be assigned (Art. 2160). He shall be exempt from the obligation to restore if he destroyed the document, or allowed the action to prescribe, or gave up the pledges, or cancelled the guaranties for his right (Art. 2162)

SOLUTIO INDEBITI Note: He who paid unduly may proceed only against the true debtor or the guarantors with regard to whom the action is still effective (Art. 2162).

Q: What is Solutio Indebiti? A: Solutio indebiti is the quasi-contract that arises when a person is obliged to return whatever was received by him through error or mistake or received by him although there was no right to demand it.

Q: What is the rule if the property wrongfully delivered or money wrongfully paid belongs to a third person? A: When the property delivered or money paid belongs to a third person, the payee shall comply with the provisions of article 1984 (Art. 2158).

Note: If the payer was in doubt whether the debt was due, he may recover if he proves that it was not due (Art. 2156). The responsibility of two or more payees, when there has been payment of what is not due, is solidary (Art. 2157).

Note: Art. 1948 states that the depositary cannot demand that the depositor prove his ownership of the thing deposited. Nevertheless, should he discover that the thing has been stolen and who its true owner is, he must advise the latter of the deposit. If the owner, in spite of such information, does not claim it within the period of one month, the depositary shall be relieved of all responsibility by returning the thing deposited to the depositor. If the depositary has reasonable grounds to believe that the thing has not been lawfully acquired by the depositor, the former may return the same.

Q: What are the requisites for solutio indebiti? A: 1. 2. 3.

Receipt of something. There was no right to demand it Undue delivery was because of mistake.

Note: It is presumed that there was a mistake in the payment if something which had never been due or had already been paid was delivered; but he from whom the return is claimed may prove that the delivery was made out of liberality or for any other just cause (Art. 2163, NCC).


Q: What are the other examples of quasi contracts? A: 1.

408

When, without the knowledge of the person obliged to give support, it is given by a stranger, the latter shall have a right to claim the same from the former, unless it appears that he gave it

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

out of piety and without intention of being repaid. (Art. 2164) When funeral expenses are borne by a third person, without the knowledge of those relatives who were obliged to give support to the deceased, said relatives shall reimburse the third person, should the latter claim reimbursement. (Art. 2165) When the person obliged to support an orphan, or an insane or other indigent person unjustly refuses to give support to the latter, any third person may furnish support to the needy individual, with right of reimbursement from the person obliged to give support. The provisions of this article apply when the father or mother of a child under eighteen years of age unjustly refuses to support him (Art. 2166). When through an accident or other cause a person is injured or becomes seriously ill, and he is treated or helped while he is not in a condition to give consent to a contract, he shall be liable to pay for the services of the physician or other person aiding him, unless the service has been rendered out of pure generosity (Art. 2167). When during a fire, flood, storm, or other calamity, property is saved from destruction by another person without the knowledge of the owner, the latter is bound to pay the former just compensation (Art. 2168). When the government, upon the failure of any person to comply with health or safety regulations concerning property, undertakes to do the necessary work, even over his objection, he shall be liable to pay the expenses (Art. 2169). When in a small community a majority of the inhabitants of age decide upon a measure for protection against lawlessness, fire, flood, storm or other calamity, any one who objects to the plan and refuses to contribute to the expenses but is benefited by the project as executed shall be liable to pay his share of said expenses (Art. 2174). Any person who is constrained to pay the taxes of another shall be entitled to reimbursement from the latter (Art. 2175).

Q: Distinguish between a preference of credit and a lien. A: A preference applies only to claims which do not attach to specific properties. A lien creates a charge on a particular property. PREFERRED CREDITS ON SPECIFIC MOVABLES Q: What are the preferred credits with respect to the specific movable property under Art. 2241? A: 1. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6. 7. 8.

9.

CONCURRENCE AND PREFERENCE OF CREDITS

10.

Q: What is concurrence of credits? A: Concurrence of credit implies the possession by two or more creditors of equal rights or privileges over the same property or all the property of a debtor.

11.

12. Q: What is preference of credit? A: Preference of credit is a right held by a creditor to be preferred in the payment of his claim above others out of the debtor’s assets.

13.

Note: The rules apply when two or more creditors have separate and distinct claims against the same debtor who has insufficient property.

Duties, taxes and fees due thereon to the state or any subdivision thereof; Claims arising from misappropriation, breach of trust, or malfeasance by public officials committed in the performance of their duties, on the movables, money or securities obtained by them; Claims for the unpaid price of movable sold, on said movables, so long as they are in the possession of the debtor, up to the value of the same, and if the movable has been resold by the debtor and the price is still unpaid, the lien may be enforced on the price; this right is not lost by the immobilization of the thing by destination, provided it has not lost its form, substance and identity; neither is the right lost by the sale of the thing together with other property for a lump sum, when the price thereof can be determined proportionally; Credits guaranteed with a pledge so long as the things pledged are in the hands of the creditor, or those guaranteed by a chattel mortgage upon the things mortgaged, up to the value thereof; Credits for making repairs or preservation or personal property on the movable thus made, repaired, kept or possessed; Claims for laborers wages, on the goods manufactured or the work done; For expenses of salvage, upon the goods salvaged; Credits between the landlord and the tenant arising from the contract of tenancy on shares, on the share of each in the fruits or harvest; Credits for transportation, upon the goods carried, for the price of the contract and incidental expenses, until their delivery and for thirty days thereafter; Credits for lodging and supplies usually furnished to travelers by hotelkeepers, on the movables belonging to the guest as long as such movables are in the hotel, but not for money loaned to the guests; Credits for seeds and expenses for cultivation and harvest advanced to the debtor, upon the fruits harvested; Credits for rent for one year, upon the personal property of the lessee existing on the immovable leased on the fruits of the same, but not on money or instruments of credit; Claims in favor of the depositor if the depository has wrongfully sold the thing deposited, upon the price of the sale.

Note: In the foregoing cases, if the movables to which the lien or preference attaches have been wrongfully taken, the creditor may

409


CIVIL LAW demand them from any possessor within thirty (30) days from the unlawful seizures.

9. conditional donations 10. premiums for 2 year – insurers

Summary: 1. taxes 2. malversation by public officials 3. vendor’s lien 4. pledge, chattel mortgage 5. mechanic’s lien 6. laborer’s wages 7. salvage 8. tenancy 9. carrier’s lien 10. hotel’s lien 11. crop loan 12. rentals – one year 13. deposit

EXEMPT PROPERTIES Q: What are the exempt properties from execution and sale? A: FST-BCF-PLB-ELM-CL 1. GR: Family home constituted jointly by husband and wife or by unmarried head of a family (Art. 152, FC). XPNs: For: a. non-payment of taxes; b. debts incurred prior to the constitution of the family home; c. debts secured by mortgages on the premises before or after such constitution; and d. debts due to laborers, mechanics, architects, builders, material men and others who have rendered service or furnished material for the construction of the building

PREFERRED CREDITS ON SPECIFIC IMMOVABLES Q: What are the preferred credits with respect to specific immovable property under Art. 2242? A: 1. 2.

Taxes due upon the land or building; For the unpaid price of real property sold upon the immovable sold; 3. Claims of laborers. Masons, mechanics and other workmen, as well as of architects, engineers and contractors, engaged in the construction, reconstruction or repair of buildings, canals or other works, upon said buildings, canals or other works; 4. Claims of furnishers of materials used in the construction, reconstruction, or repair of buildings, canals, and other works, upon said buildings, canals or other works; 5. Mortgage credits recorded in the Registry of Property, upon the real estate mortgage; 6. Expenses for the preservation or improvement of real property when the law authorizes reimbursement, upon the immovable preserved or improved; 7. Credits annotated in the Registry of Property, by virtue of a judicial order, by attachments or executions, upon the property affected, and only as to later credits; 8. Claims of co-heirs for warranty in the partition of an immovable among them, upon the real property thus divided; 9. Claims of donors or real property for pecuniary charges or other conditions imposed upon the donee, upon the immovable donated; 10. Credits of insurers, upon the property insured, for the insurance premium for two years.

2.

Right to receive Support as well as any money or property obtained as such support. (Art. 205, FC) 3. Tools and implements necessarily used by him in his trade or employment; 4. Two horses, or two cows, or two carabaos or other Beasts of burden, such as the debtor may select, not exceeding one thousand pesos in value and necessarily used by him in his ordinary occupation; 5. His necessary Clothing and that of all his family. 6. Household Furniture and utensils necessary for housekeeping and used for that purpose by the debtor, such as the debtor may select, of a value not exceeding one thousand pesos; 7. Provisions for individual or family use insufficient for three months; 8. The professional Libraries of attorney’s, judges, physicians, pharmacists, dentist, engineers, surveyors, clergymen, teachers and other professionals, not exceeding three thousand pesos in value; 9. One fishing Boat and net, not exceeding the total value of one thousand pesos, the property of any fisherman, by the lawful use of which he earns a livelihood; 10. So much of the Earnings of the debtor for his personal services within the month preceding the levy as are necessary for the support of his family; 11. Lettered gravestones; 12. All Moneys, benefits, privileges or annuities accruing or in any manner growing out of any life insurance, if the annual premiums paid do not exceed five hundred pesos, and if they exceed the sum, a like exemption shall exist which shall bear the same proportion to the moneys, benefits privileges and annuities so accruing or growing

Summary: 1. taxes 2. vendor’s lien 3. contractor’s lien 4. lien of materialmen 5. mortgage 6. expenses of preservation 7. recorded attachments 8. warranty in partition UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

410

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS out of such insurance that said five hundred pesos bears to the whole premiums paid; 13. Copyrights and other properties especially exempted by law (Sec. 12, Rule 39) 14. Property under Legal custody and of the public dominion.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Q: What is the order of preference with respect to other properties of the debtor under Art. 2244? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6. 7. 8.

9.

10.

11.

12. 13. 14.

support for one year support during insolvency fines in crimes legal expenses – administration taxes tort donations appearing in public instrument or final judgment

Q: Does the provision of Art. 110 of the Labor Code giving preference to worker’s wages prior to bankruptcy or liquidation create a lien in their favor?

In the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of an employer's business, his workers shall enjoy first preference as regards wages due them for services rendered during the period prior to the bankruptcy or liquidation Proper funeral expenses for the debtor, or children under his or her parental authority who have no property of their own, when approved by the court; Expenses during the last illness of the debtor or of his or her spouse and children under his or her parental authority, if they have no property of their own; Compensation due to the laborers of their dependents under laws providing for indemnity for damages in cases of labor accident or illness resulting from the nature of the employment; Credits and advancements made to the debtor for support of himself or herself, and family, during the last preceding insolvency; Support during the insolvency proceedings, and for three months thereafter; Fines and civil indemnification arising from a criminal offense; Legal expenses, and expenses incurred in the administration of the insolvent’s estate for the common interest of the creditors, when properly authorized and approved by the court; Taxesand assessments due the national government, other those mentioned in Articles 2241, No. 1, and 2242, No. 1; Taxes and assessments due any province, other than those mentioned in Articles 2241, No. 1 and 2242, No. 1; Taxes and assessments due any city or municipality other than those mentioned in Articles 2241, No.1 and 2242, No. 1; Damages for death or personal injuries caused by a quasi-delict; Gifts due to public and private institutions of charity or beneficence; Credits which without special privilege, appear in (a) a public instrument; or (b) in the final judgment, if they have been the subject of litigation. These credits shall have preference among themselves in the order of priority of the dates of the instruments and of the judgments, respectively (Art. 2244 in relation to Art. 110 of the Labor Code).

A: No. Article 110 of the Labor Code does not purport to create a lien in favor of workers or employees for unpaid wages either upon all of the properties or upon any particular property owned by their employer. It is but a preference of credit in their favor that do not attach to specific properties. Claims for unpaid wages do not therefore fall at all within the category of specially preferred claims established under Articles 2241 and 2242 of the Civil Code, except to the extent that such claims for unpaid wages are already covered by Article 2241, number 6: claims for laborer wages, on the goods manufactured or the work done, or by Article 2242, number 3: "claims of laborers and other workers engaged in construction, reconstruction or repair of buildings, canals and other works, upon said buildings, canals and other works." To the extent that claims for unpaid wages fall outside the scope of Article 2241, number 6 and Article 2242, number 3, they would come within the ambit of the category of ordinary preferred credits under Article 2244 (Republic v. Peralta, 150 SCRA 37). Note: Article 110 of the Labor Code has modified Article 2244 of the Civil Code in two respects: (a) firstly, by removing the one year limitation found in Article 2244, number 2; and (b) secondly, by moving up claims for unpaid wages of laborers or workers of the Insolvent from second priority to first priority in the order of preference established I by Article 2244 (Republic v. Peralta, 150 SCRA 37).

CLASSIFICATION OF CREDITS Q: What are the general categories of credit? A: 1.

2. 3.

Special preferred credits – those listed in Arts. 22412242, NCC shall be considered mortgages and pledges of real and personal property or liens (Art. 2243). Hence, they are not included in the insolvent debtor’s assets. Ordinary preferred credits – those listed in Art 2244, NCC as amended by Art. 110 of the Labor Code Common credits– those listed under Art. 2245, NCC, which shall be paid pro rata regardless of dates. Note: Art. 2245 states that credits of any other kind or class, or by any other right or title not comprised in the four preceding articles (Art. 2241-2244), shall enjoy no preference; hence, they are called common credits which can be paid only after the preferred credits are satisfied.

Summary: 1. wages of employees 2. funeral expenses 3. expenses of last illness 4. workmen’s compensation

411


CIVIL LAW Q: What is the extent of liability of a debtor for his obligations?

Q: Who are the debtors under FRIA law? A: Debtor shall refer to, unless specifically excluded by a provision of this Act, 1. a sole proprietorship duly registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 2. a partnership duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 3. a corporation duly organized and existing under Philippine laws, or 4. an individual debtor who has become insolvent as defined herein.

A: The debtor is liable with all his property, present and future, for the fulfillment of his obligations, subject to the exemptions provided by law. (Art. 2236) ORDER OF PREFERENCE OF CREDIT Q: What is the order of preference of credits? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Those credits which enjoy preference with respect to specific movable, excluded all others to the extent of the value of the personal property to which the preference refers (Article 2246). If there are two or more credits with respect to the same specific movable property, they shall be satisfied pro-rata, after the payment of duties, taxes, and fees due the State or any subdivision thereof (Art. 2247, NCC). Those credits which enjoy preference in relation to specific real property or real rights, exclude all others to the extent of the value of the immovable or real right to which the preference refers (Art. 2248). If there are two or more credits with respect to the same specific real property or real rights, they shall be satisfied pro rata, after the payment of the taxes and assessments upon the immovable property or real right (Art. 2249, NCC). The excess, if any, after the payment of the credits which enjoy preference with respect to specific property, real or personal, shall be added to the free property which the debtor may have, for the payment of the other credits (Art. 2250, NCC). Those credits which do not enjoy any preference with respect to specific property and those which enjoy preference, as to the amount not paid, shall be satisfied according to the following rules: a. In the order established in Article 2244; b. Common credits referred to in Article 2245 shall enjoy no preference and shall be paid pro rata regardless of dated (Art. 2251, NCC).

Q: What are the classes of creditors? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Secured creditors; Unsecured creditors; Trade creditors and suppliers; and Employees of the debtor.

Q: Who are excluded from the above definition? A: The term debtor does not include banks, insurance companies, pre-need companies, and national and local government agencies or units. Q: What are the tests to determine insolvency? A: 1. 2.

Equity test – A state of inability of a person to pay his debts at maturity. Balance sheet test – The assets, if all made immediately available, would not be sufficient to discharge the balance.

Q: What are the remedies of an insolvent debtor? A: 1. 2.

Petition the court to suspend payments of his debts; or To be discharged from his debts and liabilities by voluntary or involuntary insolvency proceedings (Sec. 1)

Q: What is the rule regarding obligation arising from transactions utilizing ATM networks?

Q: What is the effect of insolvency proceedings filed by individual debtors?

A: Sec. 16 of E-Commerce Act provides for the rule regarding electronic transactions made through networking among banks or linkages with other entities. The obligation arising therefrom is considered absolute and not subjected to preference of credit (Sec. 16, IRR).

A: 1.

INSOLVENCY LAW - FRIA 2. Q: What is insolvency? A: The state of a person whose liabilities are more than his assets. The term is frequently used in the more restricted sense to express inability of a person to pay his debts as they become due in the ordinary course of his business.


Suits pending in court – a. secured obligations suspended until assignee appointed b. unsecured obligations terminated except to fix amount of obligation c. foreclosure suits pending continue Suits not yet filed – cannot be filed anymore but claims may be presented to assignee.

Note: The result is different if the petitioner is a corporation because under the Revised Rules on Corporate Recovery, all claims whether secured or unsecured are stayed.

412

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Q: What are the three modes of rehabilitation under FRIA law? 2. A: 1. Court-supervised rehabilitation 2. Pre-negotiated rehabilitation 3. Out of court or informal restructuring agreements or rehabilitation plans

3.

COURT-SUPERVISED REHABILITATION Q: What are the kinds of proceedings in court-supervised rehabilitation?

4.

A: 1. Voluntary – the debtor, at its initiative, files a petition in court, and states, among others, the fact and cause of its insolvency, its schedule of liabilities, and proposed rehabilitation plan.

5.

6.

2. Involuntary – the petition is filed by any creditor or a group of creditors with a claim of at least 1 million pesos or 25% of the debtor’s subscribed capital stock or partner’s contribution, whichever is higher.

7.

Q: How does a court-supervised rehabilitation proceeding initiated?

executory judgment from such appeal shall be referred to the court for appropriate action; subject to the discretion of the court, to cases pending or filed at a specialized court or quasi-judicial agency; enforcement of claims against sureties and other persons solidarily liable with the debtor, and third party or accommodation mortgagors as well as issuers of letters of credit, where the property subject of mortgage is necessary for the rehabilitation. (In other words, claims may be enforced despite issuance of suspension order if the property is not necessary for rehabilitation); any form of action of customers or clients of a securities market participant to recover or otherwise claim moneys and securities entrusted to the latter in the ordinary course of the latter's business; the actions of a licensed broker or dealer to sell pledged securities of a debtor pursuant to a securities pledge or margin agreement; the clearing and settlement of financial transactions through the facilities of a clearing agency; and any criminal action against individual debtor or owner, partner, director or officer of a debtor shall not be affected by any proceeding commend under this Act.

Q: What is the effect of creditors’ failure to file notice of claim?

A: By filing a petition for rehabilitation with the court. A: A creditor whose claim is not listed in the schedule of debts and liabilities and who fails to file a notice of claim but subsequently files a belated claim shall not be entitled to participate in the rehabilitation proceedings but shall be entitled to receive distributions arising therefrom.

If the court finds the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, it shall, issue a Commencement Order, which, among others, shall declare that the debtor is under rehabilitation, appoint a rehabilitation receiver, and includes Stay or Suspension Order.

Q: What are the qualifications of a rehabilitation receiver? Note: The effects of the Commencement Order and the Stay or Suspension Order shall apply to government financial institutions.

A: 1.

Q: What is the effect of Suspension Order? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

2. 3.

It suspends all actions or proceedings, in court or otherwise, for the enforcement of claims against the debtor; suspends all actions to enforce any judgment, attachment or other provisional remedies against the debtor; prohibits the debtor from selling, encumbering, transferring or disposing in any manner any of its properties except in the ordinary course of business; and prohibits the debtor from making any payment of its liabilities outstanding as of the commencement date except as may be provided herein.

4.

A citizen of the Philippines or a resident of the Philippines in the six (6) months immediately preceding his nomination; Of good moral character Has knowledge of insolvency and other relevant commercial laws, rules and procedures, and the relevant training; and Has no conflict of interest (such conflict of interest may be waived)

Note: If the rehabilitation receiver is a juridical entity, it must designate a natural person/s who possess/es all the qualifications above.

Q: How does a Rehabilitation Receiver appointed? A: The court shall initially appoint the rehabilitation receiver, who may or may not be from among the nominees of the petitioner,

Q: What are the exceptions to the Stay or Suspension Order?

Note: If a qualified natural person or entity is nominated by more than fifty percent (50%) of the secured creditors and the general unsecured creditors, the court shall appoint the creditors' nominee.

A: It shall not apply to: 1. cases already pending appeal in the Supreme Court as of commencement date Provided, That final and

413


CIVIL LAW Q: What are the powers of the Rehabilitation Receiver?

Q: List the procedures after preparation to approval of Rehabilitation Plan

A: The rehabilitation receiver shall be deemed an officer of the court with the principal duty of preserving and maximizing the value of the assets of the debtor during the rehabilitation proceedings, determining the viability of the rehabilitation of the debtor, preparing and recommending a Rehabilitation Plan to the court, and implementing the approved Rehabilitation Plan and other powers provided in FRIA.

A: 1. 2.

3. 4.

Note: The rehabilitation receiver shall not take over the management and control of the debtor but may recommend the appointment of a management committee over the debtor. However, the court may appoint and direct the rehabilitation receiver to assume the powers of management of the debtor, or appoint a management committee that will undertake the management of the debtor.

Q: What are the grounds for Removal of the Rehabilitation Receiver? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

5. 6.

Incompetence, gross negligence, failure to perform or failure to exercise the proper degree of care; Lack of a particular or specialized competency required by the specific case; Illegal acts or conduct in the performance of his duties and powers; Lack of qualification or presence of any disqualification; Conflict of interest that arises after his appointment; and Manifest lack of independence.

7.

Q: What is the Effect of Confirmation of the Rehabilitation Plan? A: 1. 2.

Note: The rehabilitation receiver may be removed at any time by the court eithermotu proprio or upon motion by any creditor/s holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the total obligations of the debtor.

3. 4.

Q: What is the effect of Sale or Disposal of Encumbered Property of the Debtor and Assets of Third Parties Held by Debtor?

5.

A: The court may authorize the sale, transfer, conveyance or disposal of encumbered property of the debtor, or property of others held by the debtor pertaining to third parties under a financial, credit or other similar transactions if (a) such sale or disposal is necessary for the continued operation of the debtor's business; and (b) the debtor has made arrangements to provide a substitute lien or ownership right that provides an equal level of security for the counter-party's claim or right.

6.

It shall be binding upon the debtor and all persons who may be affected by it, including the creditors; The debtor shall comply with the provisions of the Rehabilitation Plan and shall take all actions necessary to carry out the Plan; Payments shall be made to the creditors in accordance with the provisions of the Rehabilitation Plan; Contracts and other arrangements between the debtor and its creditors shall be interpreted as continuing to apply to the extent that they do not conflict with the provisions of the Rehabilitation Plan; Any compromises on amounts or rescheduling of timing of payments by the debtor shall be binding on creditors regardless of whether or not the Plan is successfully implement; and Claims arising after approval of the Plan that are otherwise not treated by the Plan are not subject to any Suspension Order.

Q: What is the Period Rehabilitation Plan.

for

Confirmation

of

the

A: The court shall have a maximum period of one (1) year from the date of the filing of the petition to confirm a Plan, Otherwise, it may upon motion or motu propio, be converted into one for the liquidation of the debtor.

Note: Third parties who have in their possession or control property of the debtor shall not transfer, conveyor otherwise dispose of the same to persons other than the debtor, unless upon prior approval of the rehabilitation receiver.


Consultation with Debtor and Creditors. Creditor Approval of Rehabilitation Plan - The Plan is deemed to have been approved by a class of creditors if members of the said class holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the total claims of the said class vote in favor of the Plan. Submission of Rehabilitation Plan to the Court. Filing of Objections to Rehabilitation Plan by creditor under the following grounds: (a) The creditors' support was induced by fraud; (b) The documents or data relied upon in the Rehabilitation Plan are materially false or misleading; or (c) The Rehabilitation Plan is in fact not supported by the voting creditors. Hearing on the Objections. Confirmation of the Rehabilitation Plan. –The court may confirm the Rehabilitation Plan notwithstanding unresolved disputes over claims if the Rehabilitation Plan has made adequate provisions for paying such claims. Termination of proceedings.

414

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS PRE-NEGOTIATED REHABILITATION

Q: When is the remedy of suspension of payments available?

Q: How does a court-supervised rehabilitation proceeding initiated?

A: The debtor who, possessing sufficient property to cover all his debts, foresees the impossibility of meeting them when they respectively fall due, may petition that he be declared in the state of suspension of payments by the court of the province or city in which he has resided for six months next preceding the filing of his petition (Sec. 2 [1]).

A: By filing a verified petition by the insolvent debtor himself, or jointly with any of the creditors for the approval of a pre-negotiated Rehabilitation Plan, which has been endorsed or approved by creditors holding at least twothirds (2/3) of the total liabilities of the debtor, including secured creditors holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the total secured claims of the debtor and unsecured creditors holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the total unsecured claims of the debtor.

Q: When does suspension take effect? A: Upon the filing of the petition. The suspension order shall lapse when three (3) months shall have passed without the proposed agreement being accepted by the creditors or as soon as such agreement is denied. (Sec. 96, FRIA)

Q: What period of approval of Rehabilitation Plan? A: The court shall have a maximum period of one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of the filing of the petition to approve the Rehabilitation Plan. If the court fails to act within the said period, the Rehabilitation Plan shall be deemed approved.

Q: What are the steps in suspension of payments? A: 1. 2.

Q: What is the effect of approval of a Plan? 3. 4.

A: Approval shall have the same legal effect as confirmation of a Plan

5. OUT OF COURT OR INFORMAL RESTRUCTURING AGREEMENTS OR REHABILITATION PLANS

6.

Q: What are the Minimum Requirements of Out-of-Court or Informal Restructuring Agreements and Rehabilitation Plans? A: 1.

2.

3.

4.

7. The debtor must agree to the out-of-court or informal restructuring/workout agreement or Rehabilitation Plan; It must be approved by creditors representing at least sixty-seven (67%) of the secured obligations of the debtor; It must be approved by creditors representing at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the unsecured obligations of the debtor; and It must be approved by creditors holding at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the total liabilities, secured and unsecured, of the debtor.

8.

Filing of the petition by the debtor (Sec. 94); Issuance by the court of an order calling a meeting of creditors (Sec.95); Publication of the order and service of summons; Meetings of creditors for the consideration of the debtor’s proposition (Sec. 97); Approval by the creditors of the debtor’s proposition (Sec. 8, [20]); The Double Majority Rule applies. To obtain a majority vote, it is necessary that: a. At least 2/3 of the creditorsmust vote on the same proposition, and b. Said 2/3 represent at least 3/5 of the total liabilities of the debtor. Objections, if any, to the decision must be made within 10 days following the meeting. (Sec. 100); Issuance of order by the court directing that the agreement be carried out in case the decision is declared valid, or when no objection to said decision has been presented. (Sec. 101)

Q: What are the documents that should accompany the petition? A: 1.

2.

SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS Q: What is suspension of payments? A: It is the postponement, by court order, of the payment of debts of one who, while possessing sufficient property to cover his debts, foresees the impossibility of meeting them when they respectively fall due.

3. 4.

415

A verified schedule containing a full and true statement of the debts and liabilities of the petitioner together with a list of creditors; (Secs. 15, 2) A verified inventory containing a list of creditors, an accurate description of all the property of the petitioner including property exempt from execution and a statement as to the value of each item of property, its location, and encumbrances thereon, if any; (Secs. 16, 2) A statement of his assets and liabilities; (Sec. 2) and (not in FRIA) The proposed agreements he requests of his creditors. (Ibid.)


CIVIL LAW Q: What are the effects of filing of the petition? A: 1.

2.

3.

Q: Who may refrain from voting during the creditor’s meeting?

No disposition in any manner of his property may be made by the petitioner except insofar as concerns the ordinary operations of commerce or of industry in which he is engaged; [(Sec. 95 (e)]

A: Creditors who are unaffected by the Suspension Order may refrain from attending the meeting and from voting therein. Such persons shall not be bound by any agreement determined upon at such meeting, but if they should join in the voting they shall be bound in the same manner as are the other creditors. (Sec. 98)

No payments may be made by the petitioner except in the ordinary course of his business or industry [(Sec. 95 (f)]; and;

Q: What is the effect of disapproval of petition?

Upon motion, the court may issue an order suspending any pending execution against the individual debtor. Provide, That properties held as security by secured creditors shall not be the subject of such suspension order. (Sec. 96)

A: If the decision of the meeting be negative as regards the proposed agreement or if no decision is had in default of such number or of such majorities, the proceeding shall be terminated without recourse. In such case, the parties concerned shall be at liberty to enforce the rights which correspond to them. (Sec. 99)

Note: No creditor shall sue or institute proceedings to collect his claim from the debtor from the time of the filing of the petition for suspension of payments and for as long as proceedings remain pending except: (a) those creditors having claims for personal labor, maintenance, expense of last illness and funeral of the wife or children of the debtor incurred in the sixty (60) days immediately prior to the filing of the petition; and (b) secured creditors.

LIQUIDATION Q: Discuss the steps in Liquidation of INSOLVENT JURIDICAL DEBTORS. A: A. Voluntary Liquidation – 1. Filing of verified petition for liquidation with the court containing the following: a. a schedule of the debtor's debts and liabilities including a list of creditors with their addresses, amounts of claims and collaterals, or securities, if any; b. an inventory of all its assets including receivables and claims against third parties; and c. the names of at least three (3) nominees to the position of liquidator. 2. If the court finds the petition sufficient in form and substance it shall, within five (5) working days issue the Liquidation Order. 3. Publication of the petition or motion in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks. 4. Election/Appointment of Liquidator 5. Determination of claims. 6. Submit Liquidation Plan. 7. Implementation of the Plan (e.g. Selling of assets at public auction, payment of claims) 8. Discharge of Liquidator.

Q: Who are the creditors affected by the filing of the petition? A: Only creditors included in the schedules filed by the debtor shall be cited to appear and to take part in the meeting. (Sec. 5) Hence, those who did not appear because they were not informed of the proceedings are unaffected by the same. Q: Who are the creditors not affected by order of suspension of payments? A: 1.

2.

Those having claims for personal labor, maintenance, expenses of the last illness and funeral of wife or child of debtor, incurred during the 60 days immediately preceding the filing of the petition; and Those having legal or contractual mortgages. (Sec. 9) change to: secured creditors who failed to attend the meeting or refrained from voting therein.

Q: When is a petition for suspension of payments deemed rejected? A: 1. 2.

B. Involuntary Liquidation 1. Three (3) or more creditors the aggregate of whose claims is at least either One million pesos (Php1,000,000,00) or at least twenty-five percent (25%0 of the subscribed capital stock or partner's contributions of the debtor, whichever is higher, may apply for and seek the liquidation of an insolvent debtor by filing a petition for liquidation of the debtor with the court. The petition shall show that: (a) there is no genuine issue of fact or law on the claims/s of the petitioner/s, and that the due and demandable payments thereon have not been

When the number of creditors representing at least 3/5 of the liabilities not attend; (Secs. 8, 10) or When the two majorities required are not in favor of the proposed agreement (Sec. 10).


416

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS

2.

3.

4.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

5.

made for at least one hundred eighty (180) days or that the debtor has failed generally to meet its liabilities as they fall due; and (b) there is no substantial likelihood that the debtor may be rehabilitated. If the petition or motion is sufficient in form and substance, the court shall issue an Order: (1) directing the publication of the petition or motion in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks; and (2) directing the debtor and all creditors who are not the petitioners to file their comment on the petition or motion within fifteen (15) days from the date of last publication. If, after considering the comments filed, the court determines that the petition or motion is meritorious, it shall issue the Liquidation Order Publication of the petition or motion in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks. Election/Appointment of Liquidator Determination of claims. Submit Liquidation Plan. Implementation of the Plan (e.g. Selling of assets at public auction, payment of claims) Discharge of Liquidator.

6. 7. 8.

Q: What are the documents to accompany the petition? A: 1. A verified schedule must contain: a. A full and true statement of all debts and liabilities of the insolvent debtor; and b. An outline of the facts giving rise or which might give rise to a cause of action against such insolvent debtor; (Sec. 15) 2. a.

b.

A: Once the petition is filed, it ipso facto takes away and deprives the debtor petitioner of the right to do or commit any act of preference as to creditors, pending the final adjudication. (Philippine Trust Co. v. National Bank, 42 Phil 413) INVOLUNTARY INSOLVENCY Q: Who may file for involuntary liquidation?

INSOLVENCY OF INDIVIDUAL DEBTORS

A: Any creditor or group of creditors with a claim of, or with claims aggregating at least Php500, 000.00 may file a verified petition for liquidation with the court of the province or city in which the individual debtor resides.

VOLUNTARY INSOLVENCY Q: Who may apply for voluntary liquidation? How is this done?

Q: What are the acts of insolvency?

A: An individual debtor whose properties are not sufficient to cover his liabilities, and owing debts exceeding Php500,000.00, may apply to be discharged from his debts and liabilities by filing a verified petition with the court of the province or city in which he has resided for six (6) months prior to the filing of such petition with the following attachments: 1. A schedule of debts and liabilities and 2. Inventory of assets.

A: 1. 2. 3.

4. Q: What is the procedure for voluntary insolvency?

2. 3.

4.

A verified inventory, which must contain: An accurate description of all the personal and real property of the insolvent exempt or not from execution including a statement as to its value, location and encumbrances thereon; and An outline of the facts giving rise or which might give rise to a right of action in favor of the insolvent debtor. (Sec. 16)

Q: What is the effect of filing petition?

Note: During the pendency of or after a rehabilitation courtsupervised or pre-negotiated rehabilitation proceedings, three (3) or more creditors whose claims is at least either One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) or at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the subscribed capital or partner's contributions of the debtor, whichever is higher, may also initiate liquidation proceedings.

A: 1.

Liquidation of the debtor’s assets and payment of his debts (Sec. 119); Composition, if agreed upon (Sec. 63); Discharge of Liquidator (Sec 122) Appeal

5. Filing of the petition by the debtor praying for the declaration of insolvency (Sec.103); Issuance Liquidation order (Sec.104); Publication of petition or motion in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for two consecutive weeks [Sec. 112 (d)]; Election and appointment of Liquidator [Sec. 112 (j)];

6.

7.

417

Such person is about to depart or has departed from the Philippines, with intent to defraud his creditors; Being absent from the Philippines, with intent to defraud his creditors, he remains absent; He conceals himself to avoid the service of legal process for purpose of hindering or delaying or defrauding his creditors; He conceals, or is removing, any of his property to avoid its being attached or taken on legal process; He has suffered his property to remain under attachment or legal process for 3 days for the purpose of hindering or delaying or defrauding his creditors; He has confessed or offered to allow judgment in favor of any creditor or claimant for the purpose of hindering or delaying or defrauding any creditor or claimant; He has willfully suffered judgment to be taken against him by default for the purpose of hindering or delaying or defrauding his creditors; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS FACULTY OF CIVIL LAW

CIVIL LAW 8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

He has suffered or procured his property to be taken on legal process with intent to give a preference to one or more of his creditors and thereby hinder, delay, or defraud any one of his creditors; He has made any assignment, gift, sale, conveyance, or transfer of his estate, property, rights, or credits with intent to delay, defraud, or hinder his creditors; He has, in contemplation of insolvency, made any payment, gift, grant, sale, conveyance, or transfer of his estate, property, rights, or credits; Being a merchant or tradesman he has generally defaulted in the payment of his current obligations for a period of 30 days; For a period of 30 days he has failed after demand, to pay any moneys deposited with him or received by him in a fiduciary capacity; and An execution having been issued against him on final judgment for money, he shall have been found to be without sufficient property subject to execution to satisfy the judgment. (Sec. 105)

creditors.

Venue: where he has resided 6 months prior to the filing of petition. No need for the commission of any of the acts of insolvency. Amount of debts must exceed P500,000.00. Debtor deemed insolvent through an order of adjudication after filing of the petition; adjudication may be granted ex parte.

Q: What is the procedure in involuntary insolvency? A: 1.

Filing of petition by creditor or group of creditors and posting of bond (Sec. 105); 2. Issuance of order requiring the debtor to show cause why he should not be adjudged insolvent (Sec. 106); 3. Service of order to show cause; 4. Filing of answer or motion to dismiss; 5. Hearing of the case (Sec. 107); 6. Issuance of Liquidation order 7. Publication of petition or motion in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for two consecutive weeks [Sec. 112 (d)]; 8. Election and appointment of Liquidator [Sec. 112 (j)]; 9. Liquidation of the debtor’s assets and payment of his debts (Sec. 119); 10. Discharge of Liquidator (Sec 122) 11. Appeal

Bond is not required.

1. Residents of the Philippines; 2. Their credits or demands must have accrued in the Philippines; and 3. Must not have been a creditor by assignment within 30 days prior to the filing of the petition. Where the debtor has residence or has his principal place of business. Debtor must have committed any of the acts of insolvency. Amount of debts must not be less than P500,000.00. Debtor is considered insolvent upon the issuance by the court of an order after due hearing declaring him insolvent; adjudication granted only after hearing. Bond is required.

Q: Who is an assignee in insolvency? A: A person elected by the creditors or appointed by the court to whom an insolvent debtor makes an assignment of all his property for the benefit of his creditors. Note: The assignee must be a person elected by the majority of the creditors who have proven their claims, such majority being in number and amount.

Q: Who are the creditors not entitled to votein the election of assignee? A: 1.

Note: Assets of the insolvent which are not exempt from execution will then be distributed among his creditors in accordance with the rules of concurrence and preference of credits in the Civil Code.

2.

Those who did not file their claims at least 2 days prior to the time appointed for such election; Those whose claims are barred by the statute of limitations; Secured creditors unless they surrender their security or lien to the sheriff or receiver or unless they shall first have the value of such security; and Holders of claims for unliquidated damages arising out of pure tort.

Q: Can a surety institute involuntary proceedings?

3.

A: No, a surety for the debtor is not a creditor. Hence, he cannot institute involuntary proceedings. All he can do is to prove his claim.

4.

Q: Distinguish voluntary insolvency from involuntary insolvency.

Q: Is the assignee required to give a bond?

A:

A: After his election, the assignee is required to give a bond for the faithful performance of his duties.

VOLUNTARY INSOLVENCY

INVOLUNTARY INSOLVENCY

Filed by the debtor.

Filed by any creditor or group of creditors.

Only 1 creditor is required. No requirement for

Note: Courts have the power to appoint receivers to hold the property of individuals or corporations although no insolvency proceedings are involved. A receiver appointed by a court before the institution of the insolvency proceedings may be appointed the permanent assignee in such proceedings.

3 or more creditors are required. Requirements for creditors:


418

CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Q: What are the effects of Liquidation Order?

Q: When may a partnership be declared insolvent?

A: Upon the issuance of the Liquidation Order: (a) the juridical debtor shall be deemed dissolved and its corporate or juridical existence terminated; (b) legal title to and control of all the assets of the debtor, except those that may be exempt from execution, shall be deemed vested in the liquidator or, pending his election or appointment, with the court; (c) all contracts of the debtor shall be deemed terminated and/or breached, unless the liquidator, within ninety (90) days from the date of his assumption of office, declares otherwise and the contracting party agrees; (d) no separate action for the collection of an unsecured claim shall be allowed. Such actions already pending will be transferred to the Liquidator for him to accept and settle or contest. If the liquidator contests or disputes the claim, the court shall allow, hear and resolve such contest except when the case is already on appeal. In such a case, the suit may proceed to judgment, and any final and executor judgment therein for a claim against the debtor shall be filed and allowed in court; and (e) no foreclosure proceeding shall be allowed for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days.

A: A partnership may be declared insolvent by a petition of the partners and may be done during the continuation of the partnership business or after its dissolution and before the final settlement thereof.

Q: What are the rights of secured creditors?

Q: What is the effect of insolvency of partnership or any partner?

A partnership may be declared insolvent notwithstanding the solvency of the partners constituting the same. (Campos Rueda & Co. v. Pacific Commercial Co., G.R. No. L18703 Aug. 28, 1922) Q: Who may petition for declaration of insolvency of a partnership? A: 1. 2.

Voluntary insolvency – By all the partners or any of them; Involuntary insolvency – By one or more of the partners or three or more creditors of the partnership.

Q: What are the properties included in the insolvency proceedings? A: 1. 2.

A: The Liquidation Order shall not affect the right of a secured creditor to enforce his lien in accordance with the applicable contract or law. A secured creditor may: (a) waive his right under the security or lien, prove his claim in the liquidation proceedings and share in the distribution of the assets of the debtor; or (b) maintain his rights under the security or lien:

A: 1.

2.

If the secured creditor maintains his rights under the security or lien: (1) the value of the property may be fixed in a manner agreed upon by the creditor and the liquidator. When the value of the property is less than the claim it secures, the liquidator may convey the property to the secured creditor and the latter will be admitted in the liquidation proceedings as a creditor for the balance. If its value exceeds the claim secured, the liquidator may convey the property to the creditor and waive the debtor's right of redemption upon receiving the excess from the creditor; (2) the liquidator may sell the property and satisfy the secured creditor's entire claim from the proceeds of the sale; or (3) the secure creditor may enforce the lien or foreclose on the property pursuant to applicable laws.

3.

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All the property of the partnership; and All the separate of each of the partners except: a. Separate properties of limited partners (Art. 1843, NCC) b. Properties which are exempt by law

A partnership may be declared insolvent notwithstanding the solvency of the partners constituting the same. A partnership is not necessarily insolvent because one of its members is insolvent. The solvent members are bound to wind up the partnership affairs. Under the law, a partnership is automatically dissolved by the insolvency of any partner or of the partnership


CIVIL LAW

Q: In the filing of claims in an insolvency proceeding, what debts may and may not be proved? A: DEBTS THAT MAY BE PROVED The debts which may be proved against the estate of the debtor in insolvency proceedings are the following: 1. 2.

3.

4.

5.

All debts due and payable from the debtor at the time of adjudication of insolvency; (Sec. 53, Insolvency Law) All debts existing at the time of the adjudication of insolvency but not payable until a future time, a discount being made if no interest is payable by the terms of the contract; Any debt of the insolvent arising from his liability as indorser, surety, bail or guarantor, where such liability became absolute after the adjudication of insolvency but before the final dividend shall have been declare; (Sec. 54) Other contingent debts and contingent liabilities contracted by the insolvent if the contingency shall happen before the order of final dividend; (Sec. 55); and Any debt of the insolvent arising from his liability to any person liable as bail, surety, or guarantor or otherwise, for the insolvent, ho shall have paid the debt in full, or in part. (Sec. 56)

DEBTS THAT MAY NOT BE PROVED The following debts are not provable or allowed in insolvency proceedings: 1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

Claims barred by the statute of limitations; (Sec. 29, 73) Claims of secured creditors with a mortgage or pledge in their favor unless they surrender the security; (Sec. 59) Claims of creditors who hold an attachment or execution on the property of the debtor duly recorded and not dissolved; (Sec. 32) Claims on account of which a fraudulent preference was made or given; (Sec. 61) Support, as it does not arise from any business transaction but from the relation of marriage; and A claim for unliquidated damages arising out of a pure tort, which neither constitutes a breach of an express contract nor results in any unjust enrichment of the tortfeasor that may form the basis of an implied contract.

Q: What is a contingent claim? 3. A: A claim in which liability depends on some future event that may or may not happen and which makes it uncertain whether there will be any liability. Note: After the close of the insolvency proceedings and the happening of the contingency, the creditor may pursue any available remedy for the collection of his claim.

Q: What is discharge? A: Discharge, under the Insolvency Law, is the formal and judicial release of an insolvent debtor from his debts with the exception of those expressly reserved by law.

Q: How are claims arising or acquired after insolvency treated? A: 1.

2.

Note: Only natural persons may ask for discharge; corporations cannot ask for discharge. (Sec. 52) When granted, takes effect not from its date, but from the commencement of the proceedings in insolvency.

Claim arose after commencement of proceedings – An obligation coming in force after the initiation of the proceedings is not generally a proper claim to be proved.

Q: When insolvent debtor may apply for discharge? A: A debtor may apply to the RTC for a discharge at anytime after the expiration of 3 months from the adjudication of insolvency, but not later than 1 year from such adjudication of insolvency, unless the property of the insolvent has not been converted into money (Sec. 64) without his fault, thereby delaying the distribution of dividends among the creditors in which case the court may extend the period

Claim owned by insolvent purchased after insolvency – One indebted to an insolvent will not be permitted to interpose as an offset, a claim owned by the insolvent which he has purchased after the insolvency.

Q: What are the alternative rights of a secured creditor? A: 1.

2.

Any creditor may oppose the discharge by filing his objections thereto, specifying the grounds of his opposition. After the debtor has filed and served his verified answer, the court shall try the issue or issues raised (Sec. 66).

To maintain his rights under his security or lien and ignore the insolvency proceedings, in which case, it is the duty of the assignee to surrender to him the property encumbered; To waive his right under the security or lien and thereby share in the distribution of the assets of the debtor; or UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

To have the value of the encumbered property appraised and then share in the distribution of the assets of the debtor with respect to the balance of his credit.

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CREDIT TRANSACTIONS Q: What are the requisites for discharge? A: 1.

3. Compliance with statutory requirements regarding surrender of his assets for the benefit of the creditors and regarding the rendition of an account of his assets and liabilities;

4.

Note: A discharge in insolvency is a matter of legislative grace or favour to the debtor, to be obtained only by a strict compliance with the conditions prescribed by the statute.

2.

3.

5.

Application for discharge should be filed after the expiration of 3 months from the adjudication of insolvency, but not later than 1 year; (Sec. 64); and

Note: Where a debtor is judicially declared insolvent, the remedy of the guarantor or surety would be to file a contingent claim in the insolvency proceeding, if his rights as such guarantor or sureties are not to be barred by the subsequent discharge of the insolvent debtor from all his liabilities.

Insolvent debtor must not have committed any of the acts of insolvency preventing discharge.

Q: What are the acts of debtor or grounds which will prevent discharge?

Q: What are the debts and obligations not affected by discharge of insolvent?

A: No discharge shall be granted, or if granted, shall be valid, to the following cases: 1. False swearing; 2. Concealment of any part of his estate or effects; 3. Fraud or willful neglect in the care of his property or in the delivery thereof to the assignee; 4. Procuring his properties to be attached or seized on execution within 1 month before the commencement of insolvency proceedings; 5. Destruction, mutilation, alteration or falsification of his books, documents, and papers; 6. Giving fraudulent preference to a creditor; 7. Non-disclosure of the assignee of a proven false or fictitious debt within 1 month after acquiring knowledge; 8. Being a merchant, failure to keep proper books or accounts; 9. Influencing the action of any creditor, at any state of the proceedings, by pecuniary consideration; 10. Effecting any transfer, conveyance or mortgage in contemplation of insolvency; 11. Conviction of any misdemeanor under the Insolvency Law: 12. In case of voluntary insolvency, he has received the benefit of insolvency within 6 years next preceding his application for discharge; and 13. If insolvency proceeding in which he could have applied are pending by or against him in the RTC of any other province or city. (Sec. 65)

A: 1.

Taxes or assessments due the Government, whether national or local; 2. Any debt created by the fraud or embezzlement of the debtor; 3. Any debt created by the defalcation of the debtor as a public officer or while acting in a fiduciary capacity; 4. Debt of any person liable for the same debt, for or with the insolvent debtor, either as partner, joint contractor, inorser, surety or otherwise; (Sec. 68) 5. Debts of a corporation (Sec. 52); 6. Claim for support; 7. Discharged debt but revived by a subsequent new promise to pay; 8. Debts which have not been duly scheduled in time for proof and allowance, unless the creditors had notice or actual knowledge of the insolvency proceedings, are not discharged as to such creditors; 9. Claims for unliquidated damages arising out of a pure tort; 10. Claims of secured creditors; (Sec. 59) 11. Claims not in existence or not mature at the time of the discharge; 12. Claims that are contingent at the time of discharge. Q: When discharge may be revoked? A: A discharge may be revoked by the court which granted it on petition of any creditor: 1. Whose debt was proved or provable against the estate in insolvency on the ground that the discharge was fraudulently obtained; 2. Who has discovered facts constituting the fraud subsequent to the discharge and fraudulent transfer; and provided, 3. The petition is filed within 1 year after the date of the discharge. (Sec. 69)

Q: What are the effects of discharge? A: 1.

2.

creditors to have their satisfaction out of the mortgage or subject of the lien; It is a special defense which may be pledged and be a complete bar to all suits brought on any such debts, claims, liabilities or demands. (Ibid.) It does not operate to release any person liable for the same debt, for or with the debtor, either as partner, joint contractor, indorser, surety or otherwise; (Sec. 68) The certificate of discharge is prima facie evidence of the fact of release, and the regularity of such discharge.

It releases the debtor from all claims, debts, liabilities and demand set forth in the schedule or which were or might have been proved against his estate in insolvency. (Sec. 69). Hence, non-provable debts are not affected whether or not they were properly scheduled; It operates as a discharge of the insolvent and future acquisitions, but pemits mortgagees and other lien

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CIVIL LAW LEASE

Q: When is lease considered a contract of sale?

Q: What is a contract of lease?

A: A lease of personal property with option to buy, where title is transferred at the end of the contract provided rents have been fully paid.

A: A contract by which one of the parties agrees to give the other for a fixed time and price the use or profit of a thing or of his service to another who undertakes to pay some rent, compensation or price.

Q: Distinguish lease from sale A:

A contract of lease is a consensual, bilateral, onerous and commutative contract by which one person binds himself to grant temporarily, the use of a thing or the rendering of some service to another who undertakes to pay some rent, compensation, or price (4 Sanchez Roman 736).

LEASE Only the use or enjoyment is transferred Transfer is temporary

Q: What are the characteristics of a contract of lease?

Lessor need not to be the owner

A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

The price of the object (distinguished from the rent) is usually not mentioned

Consensual; Bilateral; Commutative; Principal contract; Nominate; Subject matter must be within the commerce of man; Purpose is to allow enjoyment or use of a thing; Purpose to which the thing will be devoted should not be immoral; 9. Onerous; 10. Period is temporary; 11. Period may be definite or indefinite; and 12. Lessor need not be the owner.

LEASE Ownership on the part of the lessor is not necessary GR: Personal right

USUFRUCT Ownership of the thing on the part of the grantor is necessary Real right

Lease of things (immovable/ movable) – One of the parties binds himself to give to another the enjoyment or use of a thing for a price certain.

Limited to the use specified in the contract

Includes all possible uses and enjoyment of the thing

Lessor places and maintains the lessee in the peaceful enjoyment of the thing

Owner allows the usufructuary to use and enjoy the property

Definite period Created by contract as a general rule Lessee has no duty to make repairs Lessee has no duty to pay taxes Lessee cannot constitute a usufruct of the property leased

Lease of work (contract for a piece of work) – One of the parties binds himself to produce a result out of his work or labor for a certain price. Note: Duties of a contractor who furnishes work and materials: 1. to deliver; 2. to transfer ownership; and 3. to warrant eviction and hidden defects.

May be for an indefinite period Created by law, contract, last will or prescription Usufructuary has duty to make repairs Usufructuary has a duty to pay taxes Usufructuary may constitute a sublease

Q: Who are persons disqualified to become lessees? A: Persons disqualified to buy referred to in article 1490 and 1491, are also disqualified to become lessees of the things mentioned therein. (Article 1646)

Lease of service – One party binds himself to render to the other some service for a price certain.


Usually, the selling price is mentioned

XPN: Real right

Note: It may be made orally but if the lease of real property is for more than one year, it must be in writing (Statute of Frauds).

3.

Transfer is permanent Seller must be the owner at the time of delivery

A:

Period: definite or indefinite but not more than 99 years. (Art. 1634)

2.

Ownership is transferred

Q: Distinguish lease from usufruct

Q: What are the kinds of lease? A: 1.

SALE

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LEASE Note: Article 1490. The husband and the wife cannot sell property to each other, except: (1) When a separation of property was agreed upon in the marriage settlements; or (2) When there has been a judicial separation of property

useful only for the purpose of notifying strangers to the transaction. (Art 1648, NCC)

Article 1491. The following persons cannot acquire by purchase, even at a public or judicial auction, either in person or through the mediation of another:

A: Even if not recorded with the Registry of Property, the lease is binding between the parties. However, if third persons have to be bound, the contract must be recorded.

(1) The guardian, the property of the person or persons who may be under his guardianship;

Note: However, if a purchaser has actual knowledge of the existence of the lease, which knowledge is equivalent to registration, he is bound by the lease. (Quimson vs. Suarez, 45 Phil. 901)

Q: What is the effect of recording of contract of lease?

(2) Agents, the property whose administration or sale may have been intrusted to them, unless the consent of the principal has been given;

Q: What are the effects if lease of real property is NOT registered?

(3) Executors and administrators, the property of the estate under administration;

A: 1. 2.

(4) Public officers and employees, the property of the State or of any subdivision thereof, or of any government-owned or controlled corporation, or institution, the administration of which has been intrusted to them; this provision shall apply to judges and government experts who, in any manner whatsoever, take part in the sale;

3.

(5) Justices, judges, prosecuting attorneys, clerks of superior and inferior courts, and other officers and employees connected with the administration of justice, the property and rights in litigation or levied upon an execution before the court within whose jurisdiction or territory they exercise their respective functions; this prohibition includes the act of acquiring by assignment and shall apply to lawyers, with respect to the property and rights which may be the object of any litigation in which they may take part by virtue of their profession;

The lease is not binding on third persons Such third person is allowed to terminate the lease in case he buys the property from the owner-lessor Actual knowledge of existence and duration of lease, is equivalent to registration

Q: What is meant by proper authority? A: Proper authority means a power of attorney to constitute the lease. Q: When is a proper authority required? A: 1.

(6) Any others specially disqualified by law.

2.

Q: Are foreigners disqualified to lease lands in the Philippines?

3.

A: GR: Yes

Husband – with respect to the paraphernal real estate of the wife; Father or Guardian – with respect to the property of the minor or the ward; Manager – with respect to the property under administration.

Q: Who is a manager?

XPN: lease of lands for residential purposes (Smith, Bell and Co. vs. Register of Deeds, 96 Phil 53)

A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: What is the form required of a contract of lease of things?

administrator of a conjugal property administrator of a co-ownership administrator of state patrimonial property

Q: Is the husband the administrator of the paraphernal real property?

A: Lease may be made orally, but if the lease of real property is for more than a year, it must be in writings under the statute of frauds.

A: No, unless such administrator has been transferred to him by virtue of a public document. (Art. 110, FC)

Note: Where the written contract of lease called for the erection by the tenant, of a building of strong wooden materials, but what he actually did construct on the leased premises was semi-concrete edifice at a much higher cost, in accordance with a subsequent oral agreement with the lessor, oral evidence is admissible to prove the verbal modification of the original terms of the lease. (Paterno v. Jao Yan, GR. No. L-12218, February 28, 1961)

Q: A husband was properly given his wife authority to administer the paraphernal real property. Does this necessarily mean that just because the husband is now the administrator, he can lease said property without any further authority?

Q: What is the purpose in recording a lease?

A: It depends. 1. If the lease will be for one year or less, no other authority is required.

A: A lease does not have to be recorded in the Registry of Property to be binding between the parties; registration is

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CIVIL LAW 2.

3.

If the lease on the real property will be for more than a year, then a special power of attorney (aside from the public instrument transferring administration) is required. (Art.1878, NCC) Furthermore, whether it be a) or b), if the lease is to be recorded, there must be a special power of attorney. (Art 1647, NCC).

4.

5. Note: If it is the wife who is administering her paraphernal real estate, the husband has no authority whatever, to lease, in any way, or administer the property.

6.

Q: If a father, who is administering the real estate of his minor son, wants to record the lease, should he ask for judicial permission?

7. 8.

A: Yes (Art. 1647, NCC). But even if no judicial authorization is asked, such defect cannot be invoked by a lessee who has dealt with him. (Summers v. Mahinay, [CA] 40 O.G. [11th S] No. 18, p.40). Only the son or his own heirs may question the validity of the transaction.

favor of the lessee. Hence, oridinarily the lessee, at the end of the original period, may either: a. leave the premises; or b. remain in possession In co-ownership, assent of co-owner is needed, otherwise, it is void or ineffective as against nonconsenting co-owners Where according to the terms of the contract, the lease can be extended only by the written consent of the parties thereto, no right of extension can rise without such written consent If the option is given to the lessor, the lessee cannot renew the lease against the former’s refusal The lessor may impose additional conditions after the expiration of the original period Par. 2, Art. 1687, NCC provides that in the event that the lessee has occupied the leased premises for over a year, courts may fix a longer term of lease Note: The power of the courts to establish a grace period is potestative or discretionary, depending on the particular circumstances of the case.

DURATION OF LEASE Q: What is perpetual lease? Q: What is the duration of the lease? A: 1.

2.

3. 4. 5. 6.

A: A lease contract providing that the lessee can stay in the premises for as long as he wants and for as long as he can pay the rentals and its increase.

With determinate or fixed period – Lease will be for the said period and it ends on the day fixed without need of a demand No fixed period a. For rural lands (Art. 1682, NCC) – It shall be all time necessary for the gathering of fruits which the whole estate may yield in 1 year, or which it may yield once b. For urban lands If rent is paid daily, lease is from the day to day If rent is paid weekly, lease is from week to week If rent paid monthly, lease is from month to month If rent is paid yearly, lease is from year to year

Note: It is not permissible. It is a purely potestative condition because it leaves the effectivity and enjoyment of leasehold rights to the sole and exclusive will of the lessee.

Q: Is an agreement that the duration of lease shall subsist for an indefinite period provided that the payment of rentals is up-to-date (Perpetual lease)? A: No. It is a purely potestative condition because it leaves the effectivity and enjoyment of leasehold rights to the sole and exclusive will of the lessee.

Q: When is the lessee entitled to a reduction of rent?

Q: What is tacita reconducion (implied new lease)?

A: GR: In case of the loss of more than one-half of the fruits through extraordinary and unforeseen fortuitous events.

A: A lease that arises if at the end of the contract the lessee should continue enjoying the thing leased for 15 days with the acquiescence of the lessor, unless a notice to the contrary had previously been given by the either party.

XPN: Stipulation to the contrary. Note: It is applicable only to lease of rural lands.

Q: What are the requisites for tacita reconducion?

Q: What are the rules on the extension of the lease period?

A: 1. 2. 3.

A: 1.

2. 3.

If a lease contract for a definite terms allows lessee to duly notify lessor of his desire to so extend the term, unless the contrary is stipulated “May be extended” as stipulation – lessee can extend without lessor’s consent but lessee must notify lessor “May be extended for 6 years agreed upon by both parties” as stipulation – this must be interpreted in


The term of the original contract has expired The lessor has not given the lessee a notice to vacate The lessee continued enjoying the thing leased for at least 15 days with the acquiescence of the lessor

Note: This acquiescence may be inferred from the failure of the lessor to serve notice to vacate upon the lessee. This principle is provided for under Article 1670 of the Civil Code. Thus, after the expiration of the contract of lease, the implied new lease should have only been in a monthly basis. (Zosima Inc. v. Salimbagat; G.R. No. 174376. September 12, 2012)

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LEASE Q: When is there no implied new lease?

Q: What can be the subject matter of a lease?

A: 1.

A: Things within the commerce of man.

2.

Before or after the expiration of the term, there is a notice to vacate given by either party; There is no definite fixed period in the original lease contract as in the case of successive renewals.

Note: Lease of properties belonging to the public domain is void.

Q: What is the principal obligation of a lessor?

Q: What are the effects of an implied new lease?

A: To deliver the thing leased to the lessee.

A: 1.

Q: What are the remedies in case of breach of contrat of lease?

The period of the new lease is not that stated in the original contract; but for then legal periods established by law in Art. 1682, if the lease is rural lease, or Art. 1687, if the lease is urban lease.

A: 1. 2.

Note: Art. 1682. The lease of a piece of rural land, when its duration has not been fixed, is understood to have been for all the time necessary for the gathering of the fruits which the whole estate leased may yield in one year, or which it may yield once, although two or more years have to elapse for the purpose.

2. 3.

Q: What are the properties that may be leased? A: 1. 2.

Accessory obligations contracted by a third person are extinguished (Art. 1672, NCC) Other terms of the original contract are revived

Q: What are the rules on lease of things when lessee is an alien? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

LEASE OF THINGS Q: Is lease of real property a real right? A: GR: Lease of a real property is a personal right XPNs: It is a real right: 1. If it is for more than one year and to be enforceable – must be writing 2. If it is registered with Registry of Property regardless of its period

4.

Personal property – 99 year limit applies. Aliens cannot lease public lands, and cannot acquire private lands except through succession If lease of real property (private lands), maximum of 25 years renewable for another 25 years (P.D. 713) Under the Investor ‘s Lease Act of 1995, the 25 year period was extended to 50 years provided the following conditions are met: a. Lessee must make investments b. Lease is approved by DTI c. If terms are violated, DTI can terminate it Note: The ILA did not do away with P.D. 713, under ILA the consent of DTI is required, while in P.D. 713 no consent is required.

Q: What is rent?

Q: What are the effects if the lease of real property is not registered?

3.

By Filipinos – public domain with an area of 500 hectares and may acquire not more than 12 hectares By corporations a. If at least 60% Filipinos-owned – public domain for a period of 25 years, renewable for another 25 years; the area not to exceed more than 1,000 hectares

Art. 1687. If the period for the lease has not been fixed, it is understood to be from year to year, if the rent agreed upon is annual; from month to month, if it is monthly; from week to week, if the rent is weekly; and from day to day, if the rent is to be paid daily.

Note: The terms that are revived are only those which are germane to the enjoyment of possession, but not those with respect to special agreements which are by nature foreign to the right of occupancy or enjoyment inherent in a contract of lease.

A: 1. 2.

Action for Specific Performance Damages

A: The compensation either in money, provisions, chattels or labor, received by the lessor from the lessee. Q: What are the requisites of rent?

It is not binding on third persons; Such third person is allowed to terminate the lease in case he buys the property from the owner-lessor; Actual knowledge of existence and duration of lease is equivalent to registration; or A stranger who knows of the existence of the lease, but was led to believe that the lease would expire soon or before the new lease in favor of him begins, the stranger can still be considered innocent.

A: 1. 2. 3.

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Not fictitious or nominal, otherwise the contract becomes gratuitous; Capable of determination; and May be in the form of products, fruits, or construction, as long as it has value.


CIVIL LAW Note: Owner has the right to fix the rent because the contract is consensual and not imposed by law, but increasing the rent is not an absolute right of the lessor. The new rate must be reasonable and in no case shall the lessor be allowed to increase the rental when the term has not yet expired, unless, the tenant consents (Paras, p. 262)

Q: Who are the parties to a sublease? A: 1. 2. 3.

If the rent is fixed for the first time, courts cannot interfere, but if it is a renewal, the courts can settle the disagreements.

Lessor Sublessor (original lessee in the contract of lease) Sublessee

Q: Does the lessee have the right to sublease the property?

Q: What is the right of a purchaser of a leased property? A: Yes, unless expressly stipulated. A: GR: Purchaser of thing leased can terminate the lease. XPNs: 1. Lease is recorded in Registry of Property; 2. There is a stipulation in the contract of sale that the purchaser shall respect the lease; 3. Purchaser knows the existence of the lease; 4. Sale is fictitious; or 5. Sale is made with a right of repurchase.

Note: If the prohibition to sublease is not express but only implied, the sublease will still be allowed. (Art.1650) There must be no express prohibition for sublease in a contract of lease. Also, the duration of sublease cannot be longer than that of the lease to which it is dependent

Q: May a lessee sublease a leased property without the consent of the lessor? (1999 Bar Question)

SUBLEASE

A: Yes, provided that there is no express prohibition against subleasing. Under the law, when in the contract of lease of things, there is no express prohibition, the lessee may sublet the thing leased without prejudice to his responsibility for the performance of the contract toward the lessor (Art. 1650, NCC).

Q: What is sublease? A: It is an agreement between a sublessor and sublessee whereby the former grants temporarily the enjoyment or use of the same thing, service or work subject of the original contract of lease to the latter in exchange for compensation or price, respecting the terms and conditions of original contract of lease between the lessor and lessee. Q: What are the juridical relationships in a sublease arrangement?

In case there is a sublease of the premises being leased, the sublessee is bound to the lessor for all the acts which refer to the use and preservation of the thing leased in the manner stipulated between the lessor and the lessee (Art. 1651, NCC).

A: 1. Principal lease 2. Sublease

The sublessee is subsidiarily liable to the lessor for any rent due from the lessee. However, the sublessee shall not be responsible beyond the amount of the rent due form him.

Note: These relationships co-exist and are intimately related to each other but are distinct from one another (Albano, p. 748).

As to the lessee, the latter shall still be responsible to the lessor for the rents; bring to the knowledge of the lessor every usurpation or untoward act which any third person may have committed or may be openly preparing to carry out upon the thing leased; advise the owner the need for all repairs; to return the thing leased upon the termination of the lease just as he received it, save what has been lost or impaired by the lapse of time or by ordinary wear and tear or from an inevitable cause; responsible for the deterioration or loss of the thing leased, unless he proves that it took place without his fault.

Q: What is the nature of sublease? A: It is a separate and distinct contract of lease wherein the original lessee becomes a sublessor to a sublessee. Q: Alfonso was the owner of a building being leased to Beatriz. The contract allowed subleasing of the building, thus, Beatriz subleased it to Charlie. Charlie directly paid his rent to Alfonso after the lease expired. Was Charlie correct?

Q: What is the responsibility of the lessee to the lessor in case he subleases the property?

A: No. There are two (2) distinct leases involved, the principal lease and the sublease. In such agreement, the personality of the lessee does not pass on to or is acquired by the sublessee. Thus, the payment to the lessor was not payment to the sublessor. Alfonso was a stranger to the sublease agreement. (Emilia Blas vs. Court of Appeals, 1989)


A: By express provision of Article 1650, NCC, the lessee is still responsible for the performance of his obligations toward the lessor.

426

LEASE Q: What are the responsibilities of a sublessee to the lessor?

the lessor and the assignee, who is converted into a lessee. (Pineda, p. 451)

A: GR: No juridical relationship between lessor and sublessee. XPNs: 1. All acts which affect the use and preservation of the thing leased 2. For any rent due to the lessor from the lessee which the latter failed to pay, the lessor must collect first from the lessee, and if the lessee is insolvent, the sublessee becomes liable (subsidiary liability)

Q: Distinguish sublease from assignment of lease. A: SUBLEASE There are 2 leases and 2 distinct juridical relationships although immediately connected and related to each other Personality of the lessee does not disappear Lessee does not transmit absolutely his rights and obligations to the sublessee Sublessee, generally, does not have any direct action against the lessor

Q: When is a sub-lessee liable to the lessor? A: 1.

2.

All acts which refer to the use and preservation of the thing leased in the manner stipulated between the lessor and the lessee The sublessee is subsidiary liable to the lessor for any rent due from the lessee

Q: What is the extent of the subsidiary liability of the sublessee?

ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE There is only one juridical relationship, that of the lessor and the assignee, who is converted into a lease Personality of the lessee disappears Lessee transmits absolutely his rights to the assignee Assignee has a direct action against the lessor

REMEDIES IN SUBLEASE

A: The sublessee shall be responsible only to the amount of rent due from him, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the sublease contract, at the time the demand was made by the lessor (Art. 1652, NCC).

Q: What is accion directa? A: A direct action which the lessor may bring against a sublessee who misuses the subleased property.

Q: Is mere failure of the lessee to pay rentals sufficient to make the sublessee subsidiarily liable to the lessor?

Q: What are the remedies when either the lessor or the lessee did not comply with his obligations?

A: No. There must be a judgment cancelling the lessee’s principal lease contract or ousting the lessee from the premises before the sub-lessee becomes subsidiarily liable. (Wheelers Club Int’l, Inc. vs. Bonifacio, Jr.,G.R. No. 139540, 2005)

A: RED 1. 2. 3.

Q: Can rights under a contract of lease be assigned?

Rescission and damages; Damages only (contract will be allowed to remain in force); or Ejectment

Q: What are the grounds for ejectment?

A: GR: Lessee cannot assign the lease without consent of lessor (Art. 1649, NCC)

A: 1. 2. 3.

XPN: Stipulation to the contrary Q: When does an assignment of lease take place?

4.

A: It exists when the lessee made an absolute transfer of his leasehold rights in a contract, and he has disassociated himself from the original contract of lease (Pineda, p. 451)

When the period agreed upon has expired Lack of payment of the price stipulated Violation of any of the conditions agreed upon in the contract When the lessee devotes the thing leased to any use or service not stipulated which caused the deterioration thereof. (Art. 1673, NCC)

Q: What are the grounds for judicial ejectment under the Rental Reform Act of 2002?

Note: The assignment has the effect of novation consisting in the substitution. There being a novation, the consent of lessor is necessary to effect assignment unless the contract of lease allows the lessee to assign (Pineda, p. 452)

A: 1.

Q: What is the effect of assignment of lease? A: The personality of the original lessee disappears and there only remain in the juridical relation of two persons:

2.

427

Assignment of lease or subleasing of residential units in whole or in part, including the acceptance of boarders or bedspacers, without the written consent of the lessor; Rental payment in arrears for 3 months; Provided, that in case of refusal by the lessor to accept the


CIVIL LAW payment of the rent, the lessee may deposit the amount in court or with the city or municipal treasurer, as the case may be, or in the bank in the name of and with notice to the lessor, within one month after the refusal of the lessor to accept payment.

Q: What if the value has not been agreed upon in a contract of lease of service? A: When no rate has been fixed, the same shall be determined by the courts according to the uses and customs of the place and the evidence, unless the services by agreement were to be rendered gratuitously. (Pineda Sales, p. 444, 20002 ed)

Q: Jane leased a truck to Ed for 2 years. After 1 year from delivery, the truck was destroyed by a strong typhoon. What is the effect of the destruction of the truck with respect to the lease?

LEASE OF RURAL AND URBAN LANDS Q: What is a rural land (Product-Producing Lands)?

A: It depends. If the thing leased is totally destroyed by a fortuitious event, the lease is extinguished. If the destruction is partial, the lessee may choose between: (1) proportional reduction of rent or, (2) rescission of lease. (Art. 1655, NCC)

A: Regardless of site, if the principal purpose is to obtain products from the soil, the lease is of rural lands. Hence, as used here, rural lands are those where the lessee principally is interested in soil products.

LEASE OF WORK OR SERVICES

Q: What is an urban land (Non-Product Producing Lands)?

Q: What is a contract for lease of services?

A: Lands leased principally for purposes of residence are called urban lands.

A: A contract whereby one party binds himself to render some service to the other party consisting his own free activity of labor, and not its result and the other party binds himself to pay a remuneration therefor (Pineda Sales, p. 440-441, 2002 ed).

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LESSORS AND LESSEES Q: What are the obligations of the lessor?

Q: What is a contract for a piece of work?

A: ReD-CaP 1. To Deliver the things in such condition as to render it fit for the use intended (cannot be waived) 2. GR: To make, during the lease all the necessary Repairs in order to keep it suitable for the use to which it has been devoted

A: A contract whereby one of the parties binds himself to produce a result out of his work or labor and the other party binds himself to pay remuneration therefor. Q: Distinguish lease of services from agency A:

XPN: Stipulation to the contrary. LEASE OF SERVICES Based on employment – the lessor of services does not represent his employer nor does he execute juridical acts Principal contract

AGENCY Based on representation – agent represent his principal and enter into juridical acts

To maintain the lessee in the Peaceful and adequate enjoyment of the lease for the entire duration of the contract

4.

Cannot alter the form of the thing leased

Preparatory contract Q: What are the rules on changing the form of thing leased?

Q: Distinguish contract of piece of work and contract of lease services

A: 1.

A: PIECE OF WORK Object of contract is the result of the work without considering the labor that produced it If the result promised is not accomplished, the lessor or promissory is not entitled to compensation

3.

LEASE OF SERVICES Object of contract is the service itself and not the result which it generates

2.

Q: What are the rules if urgent repairs are necessary?

Even if the result intended is not attained, the services of the lessor must still be paid


Lessor can alter the thing leased provided there is no impairment of the use to which the things are devoted under the terms of the lease Alteration can be made by lessee provided the value of property is not substantially impaired

A: 1.

428

Lessee is obligated to tolerate the work, although it may be annoying to him and although during the same time he may be deprived of a part of the premises, if repairs last for not more than 40 days

LEASE 2.

If repairs last for 40 days or more, lessee can ask for reduction of the rent in proportion to the time – st including the 1 40 days – and the part of the property of which he is deprived

which have not altered the form and substance of the land. On the other hand, the lessee may remove the improvements should the lessor refuse to reimburse (Art. 1678, Sulo-Nayon Inc. vs. Nayong Pilipino, 2007).

Note: In either case, rescission may be availed of if the main purpose of the lease is to provide a dwelling place and the property becomes uninhabitable.

Q: What is the effect of the destruction of the thing leased? A: 1.

Q: What are the effects if the lessor fails to make urgent repairs?

2.

A: The lessee may: 1. order repairs at the lessor’s cost; 2. sue for damages; 3. suspend the payment of the rent; or 4. ask for rescission, in the case of substantial damage to him.

Q: When may lessee suspend payment of rent? A: When the lessor fails to: 1. undertake urgent repairs; or 2. maintain the lessee in peaceful and adequate enjoyment of the property leased.

Q: Suppose the contract of lease was silent as to who will pay for repair expenses, who shall make the same? A: 1. 2.

Total destruction by fortuitous event – Lease is extinguished. Partial destruction a. Proportional reduction of rent; or b. Rescission of the lease.

Note: For the intervening period, the lessee does not have to pay the rent.

Major Repairs – Lessor Minor Repairs – Lessee

Q: When does the suspension become effective? Q: What is the remedy of the lessee if the lessor fails to make major or necessary repairs? A: Lessee may ask for: (1) Rescission of contract and indemnification for damages or, (2) Indemnification only, while the contract remains in force. (Art. 1659, NCC)

A: The right begins: 1. In the case of repairs – from the time of the demand and it went unheeded 2. In case of eviction – from the time the final judgment for eviction becomes effective

Q: What are the obligations of the lessee?

Q: What are the kinds of trespass in lease?

A: TRUE-PRU 1. Pay the price of the lease according to the terms stipulated 2. Use the thing leased as a diligent father of a family devoting it to the use stipulated, and in the absence of stipulation, to that which may be inferred from nature of thing leased, according to the custom of the place 3. Pay the Expenses of the deed of lease 4. Notify the lessor of Usurpation or untoward acts 5. To notify the lessor of need for Repairs 6. To Return the property leased upon termination of the lease in the same condition as he receive it except when what has been lost or impaired by lapse of time, ordinary wear and tear or inevitable cause/ fortuitous event 7. Tolerance of urgent repairs which cannot be deferred until the end of lease (par. 1, Art. 1662, NCC)

A: 1.

2.

Trespass in the fact (perturbation de mere hecho) – physical enjoyment is reduced. Lessor will not be liable. Trespass in the law (perturbation de derecho) – a 3rd person claims legal right to enjoy the premises. Lessor will be held liable.

Q: What are the alternative remedies of the aggrieved party in case of non-fulfillment of duties? A: 1. 2.

Rescission and damages Damages only, allowing the contract to remain in force (specific performance)

Q: What are the remedies of the lessee if the lessor refuses to accept rentals? A:

Q: A leased his land to B. B made useful improvements on the land. Upon the expiration of the lease contact, B seeks for reimbursement of the useful improvements from A. Should A reimburse B?

1. 2.

Tender of payment Consignation

Q: What is the effect of failure to comply with the requirements by the lessee?

A: The lessor may pay for one-half (1/2) of the value of the improvements which the lessee made in good faith, which are suitable for the use for which the lease is intended, and

A: It is a ground for ejectment of the lessee. (Alfonso vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 76824, December 20, 1988)

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CIVIL LAW SPECIAL RULES FOR LEASE OF RURAL AND URBAN LANDS

A: No, the duration of the lease has not been changed. There was a fixed period for the lease and therefore the nature of the fruit trees or valuable improvements is immaterial. (Iturralde v. Garduno, 9 Phil. 605)

RURAL LANDS Q: What is the effect of sterility of land in case of rural lease?

Q: If at the end of the lease, there are still pending crops, who will own them?

A: There is no reduction. The fertility or sterility of the land has already been considered in the fixing of the rent.

A: The lessee. However, a contrary stipulation will prevail.

Q: What is the effect of damage caused by a fortuitous event on the rural lease? A: 1.

2.

Q: What is the rule for land tenancy on shares? A: This refers to the contracts of aparceria. Land tenancy on shares are primarily governed by special laws (ex: Agricultural Tenancy Act, RA 1199), and suppletorily, by the stipulations of the parties, the provisions on partnership, and the customs of the place.

Ordinary fortuitous event – no reduction. The lessee being the owner of crops must bear the loss. Res perit domino Extraordinary fortuitous event – a. More than one-half of the fruits were lost, there is a reduction (XPN: specific stipulation to the contrary) b. Less than one-half, or if the loss is exactly onehalf, there is no reduction

Q: Who is a tenant? A: A tenant is a person, who, himself, and with the aid of available from within his immediate farm household, cultivates the land belonging to, or possessed by another, with the latter’s consent for the purpose of production, sharing the produce with the landholder under the share tenancy system, or paying to the landlord a price certain or ascertainable in produce, or in money or both, under the leasehold tenancy system. (Pangilinan v. Alvendia, GR no. 10690, June 28, 1957)

Note: The rent must be reduced proportionately.

Q: X leased his land to Y for the purpose of growing crops thereon. Due to an extraordinary fortuitous event, more than one-half of the crops were. In the lease contract, the rent was fixed at an aliquot (proportional) part of the crops. Is Y entitled to a reduction in rents?

Q: What is included in an immediate farm household?

A: No, because here the rent is already fixed at an aliquot part of the crops. Thus, every time the crops decrease in number, the rent is reduced automatically. If therefore, the tenant here refuses to give the stipulated percentage, he can be evicted. (Hijos de I. dela Rama v. Benedicto, 1 Phil. 495)

A: This includes the members of the family of the tenant, and such other person/s, whether related to the tenant or not, who are dependent upon him for support, and who usually help him operate the farm enterprise.

Q: What is the rule for reduction of rent? A: The reduction on rent can be availed of only if the loss occurs before the crops are separated from their stalk, root, or trunk. If the loss is afterwards, there is no reduction of rent.

A: It is prohibited for a tenant, whose holding is 5 hectares or more, to contract work at the same time on two or more separate holdings belonging to different landholders without the knowledge and consent of the landholder with whom he had first entered into the tenancy relationship. (Sec. 24, RA 1199)

Q: What is the duration of rural lease with an unspecified duration?

Q: What are the grounds for ejectment of the tenant on shares?

A: The lease of a piece of rural land, when its duration has not been fixed, is understood to have been for all the time necessary for the gathering of the fruits which the whole estate leased may yield in one year, or which it may yield once, although two or more years have to elapse for the purpose. (Art. 1682, NCC)

A: 1. 2.

Q: A rural lease was agreed upon to last for a certain definite period. But the tenant planted fruit trees which would require a long period of time to bear fruit, as well as introduce certain more or less valuable improvements. Has this act of the tenant changed the duration of the contract?

4.


Q: Can a tenant work for different landowners?

3.

5. 6.

430

voluntary surrender of the land bona fide intention of the landholders to cultivate the land himself personally or thru the employment of farm machineries tenant violates or fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract or the RA 1199 failure to pay the agreed rental or deliver the landholder’s share tenant uses the land for different purpose share-tenant fails to follow farm practices which will contribute towards the proper care and increased production

LEASE 7. 8.

negligence permits serious injury to land which will impair its productive capacity conviction by a competent court of a tenant or any member of his immediate family or farm household of a crime against the landholder or a member of his immediate family.

right to rescind the contract on account of this condition Q: What are the grounds for termination of lease? A: WiRe-LEx-Run 1. Expiration of the period 2. Resolution of the right of lessor (i.e.: when the lessor is a usufructuary and the usufruct is terminated) 3. By the will of the purchaser or transferee of the thing 4. Loss of the thing 5. Rescission due to the performance of the obligations of one of the parties stated under Art. 1654 and 1657. 6. The dwelling place or any other building is unfit for human habitation and is dangerous to life or health.

Q: Will the sale of the land extinguish the farm-tenancy relationship? A: No. The purchaser or the transferee shall assume the rights and obligations of the former landholder in relation to the tenant. Q: Does death extinguish the tenancy relationship? A: It depends. 1. Death of tenant – extinguishes relationship but heirs and members of his immediate farm household may continue to work on the land until the close of the agricultural year. 2. Death of landholder – does not extinguish the relationship because his heirs shall assume his rights and obligation.

Q: Will the death of the lessee extinguish the lease agreement? (1997 Bar Question)

Q: Does the expiration of the period of the contract of tenancy fixed by the parties extinguish the relationship?

A: No. The death of the lessee will not extinguish the lease agreement, since lease is not personal in character and the right is transmissible to the heirs. (Heirs of Dimaculangan v. IAC, G.R. No. 68021, Feb. 20, 1989)

A: No. The landlord is required by law, if the tenant does not voluntarily abandon the land or turn it over to him, to ask the court for an order of dispossession of the tenant. (Sec. 49, RA 1199, as amended by RA 2263)

Q: What are the remedies of the aggrieved party in case of non-compliance of the other party’s obligations under Arts.1654 (obligations of lessor) and 1657 (obligations of lessee)?

URBAN LANDS

A: 1. 2.

Q: What are the rules applicable to repairs which an urban lessor is liable? A: 1. 2.

Rescission with damages Damages only allowing the lease to subsists

Q: What are the restrictions in exercising the right to rescind? Special stipulation If none, custom of the place.

A: JAS 1.

Q: What are the rules when the duration of lease is not fixed? A: 1. 2.

2. 3. If there is a fixed period - the lease would be for the said period. If there are no fixed period - apply the following: a. rent paid daily – lease is from day to day b. rent paid weekly – lease is from week to week c. rent paid monthly – lease from month to month d. rent paid yearly – lease from year to year

Breach must be Substantial and fundamental (de minimis non curat lex – the law is not concerned with trifles). It requires Judicial action. It can be filed only by the Aggrieved party.

Q: In case of action to rescind, may the other party validly request for time within which to comply with his duties? A: No. The aggrieved party seeking rescission will prevail. Under Article 1659, NCC, the court has no discretion to refuse rescission, unlike the situation covered by Art. 1191, NCC, in the general rules on obligations [Bacalla v. Rodriguez, et. al., C.A. 40 O.G. (supp.), Aug. 30, 1941]

TERMINATION OF LEASE Q: When does immediate termination of lease apply?

Q: How is the amount of damages measured?

A: 1.

A: Difference between the rents actually received and that amount stipulated in the contract representing the true rental value of the premises. (A. Maluenda and Co. vs. Enriquez, 49 Phil. 916)

2.

Only to dwelling places or any other building intended for human habitation Even if at the time the contract was perfected, the lessee knew of the dangerous condition or waived the

431


CIVIL LAW Q: Under a written contract dated December 1, 1989, Victor leased his land to Joel for a period of five (5) years at a monthly rental of P1,000.00, to be increased to P1,200.00 and P1,500.00 on the third and fifth year, respectively. On January 1, 1991, Joel subleased the land to Conrad for a period of 2 years at a monthly rental of P1,500.00. On December 31, 1992, Joel assigned the lease to his compadre, Ernie, who acted on the belief that Joel was the rightful owner and possessor of the said lot. Joel has been faithfully paying the stipulated rentals to Victor. When Victor learned on May 15, 1992 about the sublease and assignment, he sued Joel, Conrad and Ernie for rescission of the contract of lease and for damages. 1. Will the action prosper? If so, against whom? Explain. 2. In case of rescission, discuss the rights and obligations of the parties. (2005 Bar Question) A: 1.

A that he would occupy the building being constructed upon completion, for the unexpired portion of the lease term, explaining that he had spent partly for the construction of the building that was burned. A rejected B’s demand. Did A do right in rejecting B’s demand? (1993 Bar Question) A: Yes, A was correct in rejecting the demand of B. As a result of the total destruction of the building by fortuitous event, the lease was extinguished. (Art. 1655, NCC)

Yes, the action for rescission of the lease will prosper because Joel cannot assign the lease to Ernie without the consent of Victor (Art. 1649, NCC). But Joel may sublet to Conrad because there is no express prohibition (Art. 1650, NCC; Alipio v. CA, G.R. No. 134100, Sept. 29, 2000). Victor can rescind the contract of lease with Joel, and the assignment of the lease to Ernie, on the ground of violation of law and of contract. The sub-lease to Conrad remained valid for 2 years from January 1, 1991, and had not yet lapsed when the action was filed on May 15, 1992.

2.

In case of rescission, the rights and obligations of the parties should be as follows: At the time that Victor filed suit on May 15, 1992, the assignment had not yet lapsed. It would lapse on December 1, 1994, the very same date that the 5-year basic lease would expire. Since the assignment is void, Victor can get the property back because of the violation of the lease. Both Joel and Ernie have to surrender possession and are liable for damages. But Conrad has not yet incurred any liability on the sublease which still subsisted at the time of the filing of the action on May 15, 1992. Ernie can file a cross-claim against Joel for damages on account of the rescission of the contract of assignment. Conrad can file a counter-claim against Victor for damages for lack of causes of action at the time of the filing of the suit.

Q: A is the owner of a lot on which he constructed a building in the total cost of P10, 000,000. Of that amount B contributed P5, 000,000 provided that the building as a whole would be leased to him (B) for a period of ten years from January 1, 1985 to December 31, 1995 at a rental of P100,000 a year. To such condition, A agreed. On December 20, 1990, the building was totally burned. Soon thereafter, A’s workers cleared the debris and started construction of a new building. B then served notice upon UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

432

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS LAND TITLES AND DEEDS

CERTIFICATE OF TITLE

TORRENS SYSTEM

Q: What is a Certificate of Title?

Q: What is Torrens System?

A: It is the transcript of the decree of registration made by the Register of Deeds in the registry. It accumulates in one document a precise and correct statement of the exact status of the fee simple title which an owner possesses.

A: It is a system for registration of land under which, upon the landowner’s application, the court may, after appropriate proceedings, direct the Register of Deeds for the issuance of a certificate of title.

Q: What are the two types of certificates of title?

Q: What are the purposes in adopting the Torrens System of land registration? A: To: 1. 2.

A: 1.

avoid possible conflicts of title regarding real property; and facilitate transactions relative thereto by giving the public the right to rely on the face of the Torrens certificate of title and to dispense with the need of inquiring further.

Original Certificate of Title (OCT) – the first title issued in the name of the registered owner by the Register of Deeds covering a parcel of land which had been registered under the Torrens system by virtue of a judicial or administrative proceeding. It consists of one original copy filed in the Register of Deeds, and the owner’s duplicate certificate delivered to the owner.

Note: The Government has adopted the Torrens system due to its being the most effective measure to guarantee the integrity of land titles and to protect their indefeasibility once the claim of ownership is established and recognized (Casimiro Development Corporation v. Nato Mateo, G.R. No. 175485, July 27, 2011).

2.

Q: What is the nature of the proceeding for land registration under the Torrens System?

Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) – the title issued by the Register of Deeds in favor of a transferee to whom the ownership of a registered land has been transferred by any legal mode of conveyance (e.g. sale, donation). It also consists of an original and an owner’s duplicate certificate.

A: The Torrens system is judicial in character and not merely administrative. Under the Torrens system, the proceeding is in rem, which means that it is binding upon the whole world.

Q: Differentiate title over land, land title, certificate of title, and deed. A: Title is a juridical act or a deed which is not sufficient by itself to transfer ownership but provides only for a juridical justification for the effectuation of a mode to acquire or transfer ownership.

Accordingly, all occupants, adjoining owners, adverse claimants, and other interested person are notified of the proceedings, by publication of the notice of initial hearing, and have a right to appear in opposition to such application.

Land title is the evidence of the owner’s right or extent of interest, by which he can maintain control, and as a rule, assert right to exclusive possession and enjoyment of property.

Note: In a registration proceeding instituted for the registration of a private land, with or without opposition, the judgment of the court confirming the title of the applicant or oppositor, as the case may be, and ordering its registration in his name, constitutes, when final, res judicata against the whole world.

Certificate of title is the transcript of the decree of registration made by the Register of Deeds in the registry. It accumulates in one document a precise and correct statement of the exact status of the fee simple title which an owner possesses.

A decree of registration that has become final shall be deemed conclusive not only on the questions actually contested and determined but also upon all matters that might be litigated or decided in the land registration proceedings.

Q: What bodies implement land registration under the Torrens system?

A deed is the instrument in writing, by which any real estate or interest therein is created, alienated, mortgaged or assigned, or by which title to any real estate may be affected in law or equity.

A: 1. 2.

Q: Is title over land synonymous with ownership?

3. 4. 5.

Courts Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Land Registration Authority (LRA) and its Register of Deeds Department of Land Reform (DLR) Department of Agriculture (DAR)

A: No. Title is a juridical act or a deed which is not sufficient by itself to transfer ownership but provides only for a juridical justification for the effectuation of a mode to acquire or transfer ownership. It provides the cause for the acquisition of ownership (i.e. sale = title; delivery = mode of acquisition of ownership).

433


CIVIL LAW disregard such rights and order the cancellation of the certificate. Such cancellation would impair public confidence in the certificate of title, for everyone dealing with property registered under the Torrens system would have to inquire in every instance whether the title has been regularly issued or not. This would be contrary to the very purpose of the law, which is to stabilize land titles. Verily, all persons dealing with registered land may safely rely on the correctness of the certificate of title issued therefor, and the law or the courts do not oblige them to go behind the certificate in order to investigate again the true condition of the property. They are only charged with notice of the liens and encumbrances on the property that are noted on the certificate (Republic of the Philippines v. Court of Appeals and Spouses Catalino Santos, et al., G.R. No. 116111, January 21, 1999).

Ownership, on the other hand, is an independent right of exclusive enjoyment and control of the thing for the purpose of deriving therefrom all advantages required by the reasonable needs of the owner and the promotion of the general welfare but subject to the restrictions imposed by law and the rights of others (Art. 427, NCC) Note: Registration under the Torrens system, not being a mode of acquiring ownership, does not create or vest title. The Torrens certificate of title is merely an evidence of ownership or title in the particular property described therein. In that sense, the issuance of the certificate of title to a particular person does not preclude the possibility that persons not named in the certificate may be coowners of the real property therein described with the person named therein, or that the registered owner may be holding the property in trust for another person (Casimiro Development Corporation v. Nato Mateo, G.R. No. 175485, July 27, 2011).

Q: Spouses Serafin were the original registered owners of a lot in Bukdnon. This property was then mortgaged to the DBP and upon default in the payment of the loan obligation, it was foreclosed and ownership was consolidated in DBP’s name. Serafin Adolfo however, repurchased the same in 1971, after his wife died. In 1975, he allegedly mortgaged the subject property to Aniceto Bangis who took possession of the land. Yet, this transaction was not reduced into writing. In 1998, the heirs of Adolfo expressed their intention to redeem the property from Bangis but the latter refused claiming that the transaction was one of sale evidenced by TCT No. T10567 issued in 1967. Decide with reason.

Q: St. Jude’s Enterprise, Inc. is the registered owner of a parcel of land located in Caloocan City. It then subdivided the said land and was later on found to have expanded and enlarged with an increase of 1, 421 square meters. Subsequently, St. Jude sold the lots to several individuals. Thus, the Solicitor General filed an action seeking the annulment and cancellation of the TCT issued in the name of St. Jude. Is the government estopped from questioning the approved subdivision plan which expanded the areas covered by the TCTs in question? A: The general rule is that the State cannot be put in estoppel by the mistakes or error of its officials or agents. However, like all general rules, this is also subject to exceptions, viz.:

A: As held in the case of Top Management Programs Corporation v. Luis Fajardo and the Register of Deeds of Las Piñas City: “if two certificates of title purport to include the same land, whether wholly or partly, the better approach is to trace the original certificates from which the certificates of titles were derived.”

“Estoppels against the public are little favored. They should not be invoked except in rate and unusual circumstances, and may not be invoked where they would operate to defeat the effective operation of a policy adopted to protect the public. They must be applied with circumspection and should be applied only in those special cases where the interests of justice clearly require it. Nevertheless, the government must not be allowed to deal dishonorably or capriciously with its citizens, and must not play an ignoble part or do a shabby thing; and subject to limitations x x x, the doctrine of equitable estoppel may be invoked against public authorities as well as against private individuals.”

Having, thus, traced the roots of the parties’ respective titles supported by the records of the Register of Deeds of Malaybalay City, the courts a quo were correct in upholding the title of the Heirs of Adolfo as against TCT No. T-10567 of Bangis, notwithstanding its earlier issuance on August 18, 1976 or long before the Heirs of Adolfo secured their own titles on May 26, 1998. To paraphrase the Court’s ruling in Mathay v. Court of Appeals: where two (2) transfer certificates of title have been issued on different dates, the one who holds the earlier title may prevail only in the absence of any anomaly or irregularity in the process of its registration, which circumstance does not obtain in this case (Aniceto Bangis, substituted by his heirs, namely Rodolfo B. Bangis, et al. vs. Heirs of Serafin and Salud Adolfo, namely: Luz A. Banniester, et al.; G.R. No. 190875, June 13, 2012).

In the case at bar, for nearly twenty years petitioner failed to correct and recover the alleged increase in the land area of St. Jude. Its prolonged inaction strongly militates against its cause, as it is tantamount to laches, which means “the failure or neglect, for an unreasonable and unexplained length of time, to do that which by exercising due diligence could or should have been done earlier; it is negligence or omission to assert a right within a reasonable time, warranting a presumption that the party entitled to assert it either has abandoned it or declined to assert it.”

Q: What are the modes of acquiring title over land? A: I-AS-DO 1. By possession of land since time Immemorial 2. By possession of Alienable and disposable public land

Likewise time-settled is the doctrine that where innocent third persons, relying on the correctness of the certificate of title, acquire rights over the property, courts cannot UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

434

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS Note: Under the Public Land Act (CA No. 141), citizens of the Philippines, who by themselves or through their predecessors-in-interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of alienable and disposable agricultural land of the public domain under a bona fide claim of ownership since June 12, 1945, or earlier, (except when prevented by war or force majeure), shall be conclusively presumed to have performed all the conditions essential to a government grant and shall be entitled to a certificate of title.

3.

all liens & encumbrances, except as may be expressly noted there or otherwise reserved by law. Q: Filomena allegedly bought a parcel of unregistered land from Hipolito. When she had the property titled and declared for tax purposes, she sold it. The Mapili’s question the transfer, saying that Filomena falsely stated in her Affidavit of Transfer of Real Property that Hipolito sold it to her in 1949, since by that time, he is already dead. Filomena maintains that she is the lawful owner of such by virtue of the issuance of the Torrens certificate and tax declarations in her name. Is Filomena the lawful owner of such property?

By Sale, Donation, and Other modes of acquiring ownership

Q: What are the modes of acquiring ownership over land? A: No. Torrens certificate pertaining to the disputed property does not create or vest title, but is merely an evidence of an indefeasible and incontrovertible title to the property in favor of the person whose name appears therein. Land registration under the Torrens system was never intended to be a means of acquiring ownership.

A: OLD TIPS 1. Occupation 2. Law 3. Donation 4. Tradition 5. Intellectual creation 6. Prescription 7. Succession

Neither does the existence of tax declarations create or vest title. It is not a conclusive evidence of ownership, but a proof that the holder has a claim of title over the property. (Larena v. Mapili, et. al., G.R. No. 146341, Aug. 7, 2003)

Note: Registration of a piece of land under the Torrens System does not create or vest title, because it is not a mode of acquiring ownership. A certificate of title is merely an evidence of ownership or title over the particular property described therein. Thus, notwithstanding the indefeasibility of the Torrens title, the registered owner may still be compelled to reconvey the registered property to its true owners (Heirs of Tanyag vs. Gabriel, et. al.; G.R. No. 175763, April 11, 2012).

Q: What are the effects of the issuance of a Torrens title? A: TRINC 1. The land is placed under the operation of Torrens System; 2. Land is Relieved from all claims except those noted thereon and provided by law; 3. The land becomes Incontrovertible and indefeasible; 4. Title to the land becomes Non-prescriptible; and 5. The certificate of title is not subject to Collateral attack.

Q: Differentiate possession from occupation A: POSSESSION It applies to properties whether with or without owner By itself does not confer ownership There can be possession without ownership

OCCUPATION It applies only to property without owner

Q: Spouses Encinas are the registered owner of a lot in Sorsogon. The controversy involves a potion or the said lot which the Heirs of Jose Maligaso, Sr. continue to occupy despite having received 2 notices to vacate. In 1929, accordingly, an OCT covering such lot was issued in the nae of Maria Ramos, petitioner’s aunt. In 1965, Maria sold it to the respondents which led to the issuance of a TCT in favour of the latter.

It confers ownership There can be no occupation without ownership

Q: How are land titles acquired? A: PERA PAID 1. Public grant 2. Emancipation patent or grant 3. Reclamation 4. Adverse possession / acquisitive prescription 5. Private grant or voluntary transfer 6. Accretion 7. Involuntary alienation 8. Descent or devise

In 1998 or 30 years from the time they purchased the lot, repsondnts issued 2 demand letters to the petitioners asking them to vacate the contested area. The petitioners refused to leave. Hence, respondents filed a complaint for unlawful detainer against them. Accoding to the petitioners however, their occupation remained undisturbed for more than 30 years and the respondents’ failure to detal and specifies their supposedly tolerated possession suggest that they are aware of their claim over the subject area. Decide with reason.

Q: What is Torrens title? A: It is a certificate of ownership issued under the Torrens system of registration by the government, through the Register of Deeds (RD) naming and declaring the owner in fee simple of the real property described therein, free from

A: In Soriente v. Estate of the Late Arsenio E. Concepcion, a similar allegation – possession of the property in dispute since time immemorial – was met with rebuke as such possession, for whatever length of time, cannot prevail

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CIVIL LAW over a Torrens title, the validity of which is presumed and immune to any collateral attack.

certificate of title which is an incontrovertible proof of ownership. An original certificate of title issued by the Register of Deeds under an administrative proceeding is as indefeasible as a certificate of title issued under judicial proceedings. However, indefeasibility of title does not attach to titles secured by fraud and misrepresentation. Nonetheless, fraud and misrepresentation, as grounds for cancellation of patent and annulment of title, should never be presumed, but must be proved by clear and convincing evidence, mere preponderance of evidence not being adequate. Fraud is a question of fact which must be proved. Thus, respondent’s Torrens title is a valid evidence of his ownership of the land in dispute (Datu Kiram Sampaco v. Hadji Serad Mingca Lantud, G.R. No. 163551, July 18, 2011).

“The validity of respondent’s certificate of title cannot be attacked by petitioner in this case for ejectment. Under Section 48 of Presidential Decree No. 1529, a certificate of title shall not be subject to collateral attack. It cannot be altered, modified or cancelled, except in a direct proceeding for that purpose in accordance with law. The issue of the validity of the title of the respondents can only be assailed in an action expressly instituted for that purpose. Whether or not petitioner has the right to claim ownership over the property is beyond the power of the trial court to determine in an action for unlawful detainer.” Given the foregoing, the petitioners’ attempt to remain in possession by casting a cloud on the respondents’ title cannot prosper.

Q: Ruben C. Corpuz filed a complaint against Spouses Hilarion and Justa Agustin on the allegation that he is the registered owner of 2 parcels of land in Laoag City. Accordingly, his father bought it from Elias Duldulao and then allowed spouses Agustin to occupy the subject properties. Despite demand to vacate, the Agustins refused to leave the premises.

Neither will the sheer lapse of time legitimize the petitioners’ refusal to vacate the subject area or bar the respondents from gaining possession thereof. As ruled in Spouses Ragudo v. Fabella Estate Tenants Association, Inc., laches does not operate to deprive the registered owner of a parcel of land of his right to recover possession thereof (Heirs of Jose Maligaso, Sr., etc. vs. Sps. Simon D. Encinas and Esperanza E. Encinas; G.R. No. 182716, June 20, 2012).

Ruben alleged that he has better right to possess the property having acquired the same from his father through a Deed of Quitclaim in 1971. Spouses Agustin however contends that they are the rightful owners as evidenced by a Deed of Absolute Saale in their favor. Decide who between the parties has the right to possession of the disputed properties.

Q: What is the probative value of a Torrens title? A: Torrens title may be received in evidence in all courts of the Philippines and shall be conclusive as to all matters contained therein, principally as to the identity of the land owner except so far as provided in the Land Registration Act (LRA)

A: Indeed, a title issued under the Torrens system is entitled to all the attributes of property ownership, which necessarily includes possession. Petitioner is correct that as a Torrens title holder over the subject properties, he is the rightful owner and is entitled to possession thereof. In this case, the Quitclaim executed by the elder Corpuz in favor of petitioner was executed ahead of the Deed of Sale of respondents. Thus, the sale of the subject properties by petitioner’s father to respondents cannot be considered as a prior interest at the time that petitioner came to know of the transaction. (Ruben C. Corpuz v. Spouses Hilarion Agustin and Justa Agustin, G.R. No. 183822, Jan. 18, 2012)

A Torrens certificate is an evidence of indefeasible title of property in favor of the person in whose name appears therein – such holder is entitled to the possession of the property until his title is nullified. Q: Hadji Serad Lantud filed an action to quiet title with damages with the RTC of Lanao del Sur. Accordingly, Datu Kiram Sampaco with several armed men, forcibly and unlawfully entered his property and destroyed the nursery buildings, cabbage seedlings and other improvements. Datu Kiram however denied the material allegationos of Hadji Lantud asserting that he and his predecessors-ininterest are the ones who had been in open, public, continuous, and exclusive possession of the property in dispute. He also alleged that he inherited the land in 1952 from his father and had been in adverse possession and ownership of the subject lost, cultivating and planting trees and plants. He also declared the land for taxation purposes and paid real estate taxes. Who is the rightful owner of the subject property?

Q: What is meant by indefeasibility and incontrovertibility of certificates of title? A: The certificate, once issued, becomes a conclusive evidence of the title/ownership of the land referred to therein. What appears on the face of the title is controlling on questions of ownership of the property in favor of the person whose name appears therein and such cannot be defeated by adverse, open, and notorious possession; neither can it be defeated by prescription.

A: Datu Kiram is the rightful owner. The Torrens title is conclusive evidence with respect to the ownership of the land described therein, and other matters which can be litigated and decided in land registration proceedings. Tax declarations and tax receipts cannot prevail over a UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

436

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS Q: What are the rules as regards indefeasibility and incontrovertibility? A: 1.

Q: What is the mirror doctrine? A: All persons dealing with a property covered by Torrens certificate of title are not required to go beyond what appears on the face of the title. Where there is nothing on the certificate of title to indicate any cloud or vice in the ownership of the property, or any encumbrance thereon, the purchaser is not required to explore further than what the Torrens title upon its face indicates in quest for any hidden defect or inchoate right that may defeat his right thereto.

The certificate of title serves as evidence of an indefeasible title to the property in favor of the person whose name appears therein.

2.

After the expiration of the one (1) year period from the issuance of the decree of registration upon which it is based, it becomes incontrovertible.

3.

Decree of registration and the certificate of title issued pursuant thereto may be attacked on the ground of actual fraud within one (1) year from the date of its entry and such an attack must be direct and not by a collateral proceeding. The validity of the certificate of title in this regard can be threshed out only in an action expressly filed for the purpose.

Note: Stated differently, an innocent purchaser for value relying on the Torrens title issued is protected.

Note: The defense of indefeasibility of a Torrens title does not extend to a transferee who takes it with notice of a flaw in the title of his transferor. To be effective, the inscription in the registry must have been made in good faith. A holder in bad faith of a certificate of title is not entitled to the protection of the law, for the law cannot be used as a shield for fraud (Adoracion Rosales Rufloe, et al., v. Leonarda Burgos et al., G.R. No. 143573, Jan. 30, 2009).

Q: Is the right of the public to rely on the face of a certificate of title absolute?

Q: There is no specific provision in the Public Land Law (CA No. 141, as amended) or the Land Registration Act (Act 496), now P.D. 1529, fixing the one (1) year period within which the public land patent is open to review on the ground of actual fraud as in Section 38 of the Land Registration Act, now Section 32 of PD 1529, and clothing a public land patent certificate of title with indefeasibility. What is the effect of such absence?

Q: What are the exceptions to the application of the mirror doctrine?

Q: When does the mirror doctrine apply? A: When a title over a land is registered under the Torrens system

A: No. This is unavailing when the party concerned has actual knowledge of facts and circumstances that should imply a reasonably cautious man to make such further inquiry.

A: BOB LIKA 1. Where the purchaser or mortgagee is a Bank/financing institution; 2. Where the Owner still holds a valid and existing certificate of title covering the same property because the law protects the lawful holder of a registered title over the transfer of a vendor bereft of any transmissible right; 3. Purchaser in Bad faith; 4. Purchases land with a certificate of title containing a notice of Lis pendens; 5. Sufficiently strong indications to impel closer Inquiry into the location, boundaries and condition of the lot; 6. Purchaser had full Knowledge of flaws and defects in the title; or 7. Where a person buys land not from the registered owner but from whose rights to the land has been merely Annotated on the certificate of title.

A: None. The rule on indefeasibility of certificates of title was applied by the Court in Public Land Patents because, according to the Court, such application is in consonance with the spirit and intent of homestead laws. The Court held that the pertinent pronouncements in cases clearly reveal that Sec. 38 of the Land Registration Act, now Sec. 32 of PD 1529 was applied by implication by this Court to the patent issued by the Director of Lands duly approved by the Secretary of Natural Resources, under the signature of the President of the Philippines in accordance with law. The date of issuance of the patent, therefore, corresponds to the date of the issuance of the decree in ordinary registration cases because the decree finally awards the land applied for registration to the party entitled to it, and the patent issued by the Director of Lands equally and finally grants, awards, and conveys the land applied for to the applicant.

Q: Cipriana Delgado was the registered owner of a lot situated in Cebu. Meanwhile, she and her husband entered into an agreement with Cecilia Tan (buyer) for the sale of the said property for a consideration of P10.00/sq.m. It was agreed that the buyer shall make partial payments from time to time and pay the balance when the Spouses are ready to execute the deed of sale and transfer title to her. Cecilia was already occupying a portion of the property where she operates a bihon factory while the rest was occupied by tenants which the Spouses undertook to clear prior to full payment. After paying the total amount and being ready to pay the

Note: A certificate of title issued under an administrative proceeding pursuant to a homestead patent is as indefeasible as a certificate of title issued under a judicial registration proceeding, provided the land covered by said certificate is a disposable public land within the contemplation of the Public Land Law.

437


CIVIL LAW balance, Cecilia demanded the execution of the deed which was refused. Cecilia, at this point, learned of the sale of the property to the Dys and its subsequent mortgage to petitioner Philippine Banking Corporation (Philbank). Thus, a complaint for annulment of the Certificate of title and for specific performance and/or reconveyance with damages was filed against Spouses Delgado, the Dys and Philbank. However, Philbank contends that it is a mortgagee in good faith. Is the bank’s contention correct?

Q: If the land subject of the dispute was not brought under the operation of the Torrens system, will the concept of an innocent purchaser for value apply? A: If the land in question was not brought under the operation of Torrens system because the original certificate of title is null and void ab initio, the concept of an innocent purchaser for value does not apply. Note: Good faith and bad faith is immaterial in case of unregistered land. One who purchases an unregistered land does so at his peril.

A: Primarily, it bears noting that the doctrine of “mortgagee in good faith” is based on the rule that all persons dealing with property covered by a Torrens Certificate of Title are not required to go beyond what appears on the face of the title. This is in deference to the public interest in upholding the indefeasibility of a certificate of title as evidence of lawful ownership of the land or of any encumbrance thereon. In the case of banks and other financial institutions, however, greater care and due diligence are required since they are imbued with public interest, failing which renders the mortgagees in bad faith. Thus, before approving a loan application, it is a standard operating practice for these institutions to conduct an ocular inspection of the property offered for mortgage and to verify the genuineness of the title to determine the real owner(s) thereof. The apparent purpose of an ocular inspection is to protect the “true owner” of the property as well as innocent third parties with a right, interest or claim thereon from a usurper who may have acquired a fraudulent certificate of title thereto (Philippine Banking Corporation v. Arturo Dy, et al., G.R. No. 183774. November 14, 2012).

Q: In 1979, Nestor applied for and was granted a Free Patent over a parcel of agricultural land with an area of 30 hectares, located in General Santos City. He presented the Free Patent to the Register of Deeds, and he was issued a corresponding Original Certificate of Title (OCT) No. 375. Subsequently, Nestor sold the land to Eddie. The deed of sale was submitted to the Register of Deeds and on the basis thereof, OCT No. 375 was cancelled and Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 4576 was issued in the name of Eddie. In 1986, the Director of Lands filed a complaint for annulment of OCT No. 375 and TCT No. 4576 on the ground that Nestor obtained the Free Patent through fraud. Eddie filed a motion to dismiss on the ground that he was an innocent purchaser for value and in good faith and as such, he has acquired a title to the property which is valid, unassailable and indefeasible. Decide the motion. (2000 Bar Question) A: Nestor’s motion to dismiss the complaint for annulment of OCT No. 375 and TCT No. 4576 should be denied for the following reasons:

Q: Who is a purchaser in good faith and for value?

1.

Eddie cannot claim protection as an innocent purchaser for value nor can he interpose the defense of indefeasibility of his title, because his TCT is rooted on a void title. Under Sec. 91, CA No. 141, as amended, otherwise known as the Public Land Act, statements of material facts in the applications for public land must be under oath. Sec. 91 of the same act provides that such statements shall be considered as essential conditions and parts of the concession, title, or permit issued, any false statement therein, or omission of facts shall ipso facto produce the cancellation of the concession. The patent issued to Nestor in this case is void ab initio not only because it was obtained by fraud but also because it covers 30 hectares which is far beyond the maximum of 24 hectares provided by the free patent law.

2.

The government can seek annulment of the original and transfer certificates of title and the reversion of the land to the State. Eddie's defense is untenable. The protection afforded by the Torrens System to an innocent purchaser for value can be availed of only if the land has been titled thru judicial proceedings where the issue of fraud becomes academic after the lapse of one (1) year from the issuance of the decree of

A: A purchaser in good faith and for value is one who buys property of another, without notice that some other person has a right to, or interest in, such property, and pays a full and fair price for the same, at the time of such purchase, or before he has notice of the claim or interest of some other person in the property. Good faith is the opposite of fraud and of bad faith, and its non-existence must be established by competent proof. Sans such proof, a buyer is deemed to be in good faith and his interest in the subject property will not be disturbed. A purchaser of a registered property can rely on the guarantee afforded by pertinent laws on registration that he can take and hold it free from any and all prior liens and claims except those set forth in or preserved against the certificate of title (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) vs. New Dagupan Metro Gas Corporation, et al.; G.R. No. 173171, July 11, 2012). Note: An innocent purchaser for value includes a lessee, mortgagee, or other encumbrances for value. Purchaser in good faith and for value is the same as an innocent purchaser for value. Good faith consists in an honest intention to abstain from taking any unconscious advantage of another.


438

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS registration. In public land grants, the action of the government to annul a title fraudulently obtained does not prescribe such action and will not be barred by the transfer of the title to an innocent purchaser for value.

with said property that someone is claiming an interest on the same or may have a better right than the registered owner thereof. Despite the notice of adverse claim, the Burgos siblings still purchased the property in question. Equally significant is the fact that Delos Reyes was not in possession of the subject property when she sold the same to the Burgos siblings. It was Amado Burgos who bought the property for his children, the Burgos siblings.

Q: Spouses Angel and Adoracion Ruflor acquired a parcel of land located at Muntinlupa. However, in 1978 Elvira Delos Reyes forged the signatures of the spouses in Deed of Sale to make it appear that the disputed property was sold to her by the former. On the basis of the said deed of sale, Delos Reyes succeeded in obtaining title in her name. hence, the Rufloes filed a complaint for damages against Delos Reyes alleging that the Deed of Sale was falsified as their signatures appearing thereon was forged.

In the same vein, Leonarda cannot be categorized as a purchaser in good faith. Since it was the Rufloes who continued to have actual possession of the property, Leonarda should have investigated the nature of their possession (Adoracion Rosales Rufloe, et al., v. Leonarda Burgos et al., G.R. No. 143573, Jan. 30, 2009)

During the pendency of the case, Delos Reyes sold the subject property to the Burgos siblings. Correspondingly, they sold the same to their aunt, Leonarda Burgos. However, the sale in favor of Leonarda was not registered. Thus, no title was issued in her name. The subject property remained in the name of the Burgos siblings who also continued paying the real estate taxes thereon. a.

b. c.

A: a.

b.

c.

Q: Duran owned two parcels of land which were made subject of a deed of sale in favor of Fe, her mother. After obtaining title in her name, Fe mortgaged the property to Erlinda. With Fe’s failure to redeem, Erlinda acquired the property at public auction. Duran, claiming that the deed of sale is a forgery, sought to recover the property. Erlinda invokes the defense of being a purchaser in good faith. Is Erlinda a purchaser in good faith?

Are the sales of the subject property to Delos Reyes to the Burgos siblings and the subsequent sale to Leonarda valid and binding? Who is an innocent purchaser for value? Are the respondents considered as innocent purchasers in good faith and for value despite the forged deed of sale of their transferor Delos Reyes?

A: Yes. Erlinda, in good faith, relied on the certificate of title in the name of Fe. A fraudulent or forged document of sale may become the root of a valid title if the certificate of title has already been transferred from the name of the true owner to the name of the forger or the name indicated by the forger. (Duran v. IAC, G.R. No. L-64159, Sept. 10, 1985) Q: Cipriano, one of Pablo’s heirs, executed an extrajudicial settlement of a sole heir and confirmation sales, declaring himself as the only heir and confirmed the sales made in favor of the spouses Rodolfo. Consequently, a certificate of title was issued in the name of the spouses, who then sold the property to Guaranteed Homes. Pablo’s other descendants seek reconveyance of the property sold to the spouses alleging that the extrajudicial settlement was forged. Who is the rightful owner of the property?

It is undisputed that the forged deed of sale was null and void and conveyed no title. It is a well-settled principle that no one can give what one does not have, nemo dat quod non habet. One can sell only what one owns or is authorized to sell, and the buyer can acquire no more right than what the seller can transfer legally. Due to the forged deed of sale, Delos Reyes acquired no right over the subject property which she could convey to the Burgos siblings. All the transactions subsequent to the falsified sale between the spouses Rufloe and Delos Reyes are likewise void, including the sale made by the Burgos siblings to their aunt, Leonarda. An innocent purchaser for value is one who buys the property of another without notice that some other person has a right to or interest in it, and who pays a full and fair price at the time of the purchase or before receiving any notice of another person’s claim. The burden of proving the status of a purchaser in good faith and for value lies upon one who asserts that status. This onus probandi cannot be discharged by mere invocation of the ordinary presumption of good faith. The evidence shows that the Rufloes caused a notice of adverse claim to be annotated on the title of Delos Reyes as early as November 5, 1979. The annotation of an adverse claim is a measure designed to protect the interest of a person over a piece of real property, and serves as a notice and warning to third parties dealing

A: Guaranteed Homes is the rightful owner, even assuming that the extrajudicial settlement was a forgery. Generally a forged or fraudulent deed is a nullity and conveys no title. There are, however, instances when such a fraudulent document may become the root of a valid title. One such instance is where the certificate of title was already transferred from the name of the true owner to the forger, and while it remained that way, the land was subsequently sold to an innocent purchaser. For then, the vendee had the right to rely upon what appeared in the certificate. Also, the extrajudicial settlement was recorded in the Register of Deeds. Registration in the public registry is notice to the whole world. (Guaranteed Homes, Inc. v. Heirs of Valdez, Heirs of Tugade, Heirs of Gatmin, Hilaria Cobero and Alfredo and Siony Tepol, G.R. No. 171531, Jan. 30, 2009)

439


CIVIL LAW Q: Spouses X and Y mortgaged a piece of registered land to A, delivering as well the OCT to the latter, but they continued to possess and cultivate the land, giving 1/2 of each harvest to A in partial payment of their loan to the latter. A however, without the knowledge of X and Y, forged a deed of sale of the aforesaid land in favor of himself, got a TCT in his name, and then sold the land to B.

released the land of the public domain as alienable and disposable, and that the land subject of the application for registration falls within the approved area per verification through survey by the PENRO or CENRO. In addition, the applicant for land registration must present a copy of the original classification approved by the DENR Secretary and certified as a true copy by the legal custodian of the official records.

B bought the land relying on A's title, and thereafter got a TCT in his name. It was only then that the spouses X and Y learned that their land had been titled in B's name. May said spouses file an action for reconveyance of the land in question against B? Reason. (1999 Bar Question)

Although the survey and certification were done declaring certain portions of the public domain situated in Cebu City as alienable and disposable, an actual copy of such classification, certified as true by the legal custodian of the official records, was not presented in evidence. Unfortunately, respondents were not able to discharge the burden of overcoming the presumption that the land they sought to be registered forms part of the public domain (Republic of the Philippines vs. Gloria Jaralve (deceased), substituted by Alan Jess Jaralve-Document, Jr., et al. G.R. No. 175177. October 24, 2012).

A: The action of X and Y against B for reconveyance of the land will not prosper because B has acquired a clean title to the property being an innocent purchaser for value. A forged deed is an absolute nullity and conveys no title. The fact that the forged deed was registered and a certificate of title was issued in his name, did not operate to vest upon A ownership over the property of X and Y. The registration of the forged deed will not cure the infirmity. However, once the title to the land is registered in the name of the forger and title to the land thereafter falls into the hands of an innocent purchaser for value, the latter acquires a clean title thereto. A buyer of a registered land is not required to explore beyond what the record in the registry indicates on its face in quest for any hidden defect or inchoate right which may subsequently defeat his right thereto. This is the "mirror principle" of the Torrens system which makes it possible for a forged deed to be the root of a good title.

Q: Discuss the application of the Regalian doctrine. A: All lands not otherwise appearing to be clearly within private ownership are presumed to belong to the State. Incontrovertible evidence must be shown that the land is alienable or disposable in order to overcome such presumption. Note: It does not negate native title to lands held in private ownership since time immemorial (Cruz v. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, G.R. No. 135385, Dec. 6, 2000).

Q: What is a native title?

Besides, it appears that spouses X and Y are guilty of contributory negligence when they delivered the OCT to the mortgagee without annotating the mortgage thereon. Between them and the innocent purchaser for value, they should bear the loss.

A: it refers to a pre- conquest rights to lands and domains which, as far back as memory reaches, have been held under a claim of private ownership by Indigenous Cultural Communities of Indigenous Peoples, have never been public lands and are thus indisputably presumed to have been held that way before Spanish conquest.

REGALIAN DOCTRINE Q: What is Regalian doctrine (jura regalia)?

Q: What is time immemorial possession?

A: A time-honored constitutional precept that all lands of the public domain belong to the State, and that the State is the source of any asserted right to ownership in land, and charged with the conservation of such patrimony.

A: It refers to a period of time as far back as memory can go, certain Indigenous Cultural Communities of Indigenous Peoples are known to have occupied, possessed in the concept of owner, and utilized a defined territory devolved to them, by operation of customary law or inherited from their ancestors, in accordance with their customs and tradition.

Under the Regalian doctrine, land that has not been acquired from the government, either by purchase, grant, or any other mode recognized by law, belongs to the State as part of the public domain. Thus, it is indispensable for a person claiming title to a public land to show that his title was acquired through such means. To prove that the subject property is alienable and disposable land of the public domain, respondents presented the Community Environment and Natural Resourtces Office Certificate (CENRO). However, a CENRO or PENRO Certification is not enough to certify that a land is alienable and disposable. The applicant for land registration must prove that the DENR Secretary had approved the land classification and UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Q: Socorro Orcullo was a grantee of a Free Patent for a parcel of land in Cebu. Subsequently, the subject lot was sold to SAAD Agro-Industries, Inc. by one of Orculoo’s heirs. Yet, in 199, the Solicitor General filed a complaint for the annulment of the title and reversion of the said lot on the ground that the issuance of the free patent and title was irregular and erroneous, following the discovery that the lot is allegedly part of the timberland and forest reserve. Decide on the case.

440

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS Note: Under R.A. No. 4726, foreign nationals can own Philippine real estate through the purchase of condominium units or townhouses. It expressly allows foreigners to acquire condominium units and shares in condominium corporations up to not more than 40% of the total and outstanding capital stock of a Filipino owned or controlled corporation. The land is owned by the condominium corporation and the unit owner is simply a member in this condominium corporation.

A: Under the Regalian doctrine or jura regalia, all lands of the public domain belong to the State, and the State is the source of any asserted right to ownership in land and charged with the conservation of such patrimony. In instances where a parcel of land considered to be inalienable land of the public domain is found under private ownership, the Government is allowed by law to file an action for reversion, which is an action where the ultimate relief sought is to revert the land to the government under the Regalian doctrine.

Q: Spouses Pinoy and Pinay, both natural-born Filipino citizens, purchased property in the Philippines. However, they sought its registration when they were already naturalized as Canadian citizens. Should the registration be denied on the ground that they cannot do so being foreign nationals?

Nevertheless, in applying this doctrine, we must not lose sight of the fact that in every claim or right by the Government against one of its citizens, the paramount considerations of fairness and due process must be observed. Respondent in this case failed to show that the subject lot is part of timberland or forest reserve it adverted to. In the face of the uncontroverted status of Free Patent No. 473408 and OCT No. 0-6667 as valid and regular issuances, respondent’s insistence on the classification of the lot as part of the forest reserve must be rejected (Saad Agro-Industries, Inc. v. Republic of the Philippines, G.R. No. 152570, Sept. 27, 2006).

A: No. For the purpose of transfer and/or acquisition of a parcel of residential land, it is not significant whether they are no longer Filipino citizens at the time they purchased or registered the parcels of land in question. What is important is that they were formerly natural-born citizens of the Philippines, and as transferees of a private land, they could apply for registration in accordance with the mandate of Section 8, Article XII of the Constitution which states that Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7 of this Article, a natural-born citizen of the Philippines who has lost his Philippine citizenship may be a transferee of private lands, subject to limitations provided by law (Republic v. CA and Lapina, G.R. No. 108998, Aug. 24, 1994).

Q: Discuss the coordination of the 3 departments in their goals in achieving the objectives in the conservation and utilization of natural resources A: The legislature has the authority to implement the constitutional provision classifying the lands of the public domain; the executive, administers our public lands pursuant to their duty “to ensure that laws be faithfully executed” and in accordance with the policy prescribed; lastly, the judiciary steps into the picture if the rules laid down by the legislature are challenged or if it is claimed that they are not being correctly observed by the executive branch.

Q: Joe, an alien, invalidly acquired a parcel of land in the Philippines. He subsequently transferred it to Jose, a Filipino citizen. What is the status of the transfer? A: If a land is invalidly transferred to an alien who subsequently becomes a Filipino citizen or transfers it to a Filipino, the flaw in the original transaction is considered cured and the title of the transferee is rendered valid. Since the ban on aliens is intended to preserve the nation’s land for future generations of Filipinos, that aim is achieved by making lawful the acquisition of real estate by aliens who became Filipino citizens by naturalization or those transfers made by aliens to Filipino citizens. As the property in dispute is already in the hands of a qualified person, a Filipino citizen, there would be no more public policy to be protected. The objective of the constitutional provision to keep our lands in Filipino hands has been achieved (Borromeo v. Descallar, G.R. No. 159310, Feb. 24, 2009)

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT Q: Who may acquire private lands? A: 1. 2.

3. 4.

Filipino citizens; Filipino corporations and associations as defined in Sec. 2, Article XII of the Constitution and by exceptionl; Aliens, but only by hereditary succession; A natural-born citizen of the Philippines who has lost citizenship under the terms and Section 8.

Q: If Joe had not transferred it to Jose but he, himself, was later naturalized as a Filipino citizen, will his acquisition thereof remain invalid?

Note: Filipino citizens can both acquire or otherwise hold lands of public domain.

A: No. If a land is invalidly transferred to an alien who subsequently becomes a Filipino citizen, the flaw in the original transaction is also considered cured and the title of the transferee is rendered valid (Borromeo v. Descallar, G.R. No. 159310, Feb. 24, 2009).

Q: Can an alien acquire a private land in the Philippines? A: GR: An alien cannot acquire private lands. XPN: Acquisition by aliens is allowed when: It is thru hereditary succession.

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CIVIL LAW Q: What is the maximum area that may be acquired by a natural born citizen who has lost his Philippine citizenship?

Patrimonial property of the State (Sec. 3, Art. XII, 1987 Constitution) 1. Lease (cannot own land of the public domain) for 25 years renewable for another 25 years 2. Limited to 1,000 hectares 3. Applies to both Filipinos and foreign corporations.

A: A natural born citizen who has legal capacity to enter into a contract under Philippine laws may be a transferee of a private land up to a maximum area of 5,000 square meters in the case of urban land or 3 hectares in the case of rural land to be used by him for business or other purposes. In the case of married couples, one of them may avail of the privilege herein granted, but if both shall avail of the same, the total area acquired shall not exceed the maximum area fixed (Sec. 10, R.A. 7042; Agcaoili, Reviewer in Property Registration and Related Proceedings, 2008 ed.).

Q: May a corporation apply for registration of a parcel of land? A: Yes, through lease not exceeding 1,000 hectares. Such lease shall not exceed twenty five (25) years and renewable for not more than twenty five (25) years. (Sec. 3, Art. XII, 1987 Constitution)

Q: Who may not file an application for registration? A: PAMP 1. A Public land sales applicant insofar as the land covered by his sales application is concerned

Note: Determinative of this issue is the character of the parcels of land – whether they were still public or already private – when the registration proceedings were commenced. If they are already private lands, the constitutional prohibition against acquisitions by a private corporation would not apply.

Reason: He acknowledged that he is not the owner of the land and that the same is a public land. 2.

ORIGINAL REGISTRATION

An Antichretic creditor cannot acquire by prescription the land surrendered to him by the debtor.

Q: What laws govern land registration? A: 1.

Reason: His possession is not in the concept of an owner but mere holder placed in possession of the land by its owners. 3.

Note: Amended and superseded C.A. No. 496.

2. 3. 4. 5.

A Mortgagee or his successor in interest to the mortgage, notwithstanding the lapse of the period for the mortgagor to pay the loan secured to redeem it

6.

Reason: Such act would amount to a pactum commissorium, which is against good morals and public policy. 4.

Cadastral Act (Act 2259, as amended) Public Land Act (CA No. 141,as amended) Emancipation Decree (PD 27, as amended) Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 (R.A. 6657) Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (R.A. 8371)

Q: What are the purposes of land registration? A: To: QUIP-CC 1. Quiet title to the land and to stop forever any question as t ao the legality of said title; 2. relieve land of Unknown claims; 3. guarantee the Integrity of land titles and to protect their indefeasibility once the claim of ownership is established and recognized; 4. give every registered owner complete Peace of mind; 5. issue a Certificate of title to the owner which shall be the best evidence of his ownership of the land; and 6. avoid Conflicts of title in real estate and to facilitate transactions.

A person or entity whose claim of ownership to land had been Previously denied in a reivindicatory action.

Q: May a corporation own lands? A: It depends. Corporation sole can acquire by purchase a parcel of private agricultural land without violating the constitutional prohibition since it has no nationality. Corporation: Private Lands 1. At least 60% Filipino (Sec. 7, Art. XII, 1987 Constitution) 2. Restricted as to extent reasonably necessary to enable it to carry out purpose for which it was created 3. If engaged in agriculture, it is restricted to 1,024 hectares. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Property Registration Decree (PD 1529, as amended)

Q: What is original registration? A: It is a proceeding brought before the MTC where there is no controversy or opposition, or contested lots where the value of which does not exceed P100, 000.00 (Sec. 4, R.A.

442

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS 7691) or in the RTC (as a land registration court) when the value exceeds P100,000 to determine title or ownership of land on the basis of an application for registration or answer/opposition by a claimant in a cadastral registration.

domain under a bona fide claim of ownership since June 12,1945 or earlier (OCENCO); 2.

Those who have acquired ownership of private lands by prescription under provisions of existing laws;

Q: What are the kinds of original registration? Distinguish. GR: Properties of public dominion cannot be acquired by prescription.

A: ADMINISTRATIVE/ INVOLUNTARY/ CADASTRAL

JUDICIAL/ VOLUNTARY/ ORDINARY Filing with the proper court an application by the private individual himself under PD 1529 (Property Registration Decree) under Sec. 48 of CA 141 (Public Land Act)

XPN: Where the law itself so provides. Thus, patrimonial property of the State may be the subject of acquisition through prescription.

Compulsory registration initiated by the government, to adjudicate ownership of land and involuntary on the part of the claimants, but they are compelled to substantiate their claim or interest through an answer.

Under ordinary acquisitive prescription, a person acquires ownership of a patrimonial property through possession for at least 10 years, in good faith and with just title. Under extraordinary acquisitive prescription, a person’s uninterrupted adverse possession of patrimonial property for at least 30 years, regardless of good faith or just title, ripens into ownership. Note: Good faith of the possessor consists in the reasonable belief that the person from whom he received the thing was the owner thereof, and could transmit his ownership while just title exists when the adverse claimant came into the possession of the property though one of the modes recognized by law for acquisition of ownership or other real rights, but the grantor was not the owner or could not transmit any right (Arts. 1127 and 1129, NCC)

WHO MAY APPLY UNDER P.D. 1529 Q: Which lands are registrable? A: 1. 2.

Note: For one to invoke the provisions of Section 14(2) and set up acquisitive prescription against the State, it is primordial that the status of the property as patrimonial be first established. Furthermore, the period of possession preceding the classification of the property as patrimonial cannot be considered in determining the completion of the prescriptive period.

Alienable and disposable public agricultural lands; and Private lands.

Q: What are the general incidents of registered land? A: Registered land or the owners are not relieved from the following: 1. any rights incident to the relation of husband and wife, landlord and tenant; 2. liability to attachment or levy on execution; 3. liability to any lien of any description established by law on the land and buildings thereon, or in the interest of the owner in such land or building; 4. any right or liability that may arise due to change of the law of descent; 5. the rights of partition between co-owners; 6. the right of government to take the land by eminent domain; 7. liability to be recovered by an assignee in insolvency or trustee or bankruptcy under the laws relative to preferences; and 8. any other rights or liabilities created by law and applicable to unregistered land.

Adverse, continuous, open, public possession in the concept of an owner is a conclusion of law and the burden to prove it by clear, positive and convincing evidence is on the applicant. A claim of ownership will not proper on the basis of tax declarations if unaccompanied by proof of actual possession. The counting of the thirty (30)-year prescriptive period for purposes of acquiring ownership of a public land under Section 14(2) can only start from the issuance of DARCO Conversion Order. Before the property was declared patrimonial by virtue of such conversion order, it cannot be acquired by prescription. (Jean Tan, et al. vs. Republic of the Philippines; G.R. No. 193443, April 16, 2012.)

3.

The Alluvion must be the exclusive work of nature. This excludes all deposits caused by human intervention. Accretion does not automatically become registered land. Where alluvial increment is not registered, it may be acquired by third persons through prescription. In order that the accretion may be protected by the rule on imprescribility, it is necessary that the same be brought under the operation of the Torrens system.

Q: Who may apply for registration in ordinary registration proceedings? A: 1.

Those who have acquired ownership of private lands or abandoned river beds by right of accession or accretion under the existing laws.

Those who by themselves or through their predecessors-in-interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation of alienable and disposable lands of public

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CIVIL LAW 4.

Those who have acquired ownership of land by any other manner provided for by law.

except through lease does not apply for land was no longer public land but private property.

Where the land is owned in common, all the co-owners shall file the application jointly. (Sec. 14, PD 1529)

Q: Noynoy, Erap, Manny and Gibo are co-owners of a parcel of land. May Manny seek registration in his name of the land in its entirety?

Q: Who may apply for registration of a land subject to a: A: Since a co-owner cannot be considered a true owner of a specific portion until division or partition is effected, he cannot file an application for registration of the whole area without joining the co-owners as applicants.

1. Pacto de retro sale? GR: Vendor a retro may apply for registration. XPN: Vendee a retro should the period for redemption expire during pendency of registration proceedings and ownership to property is consolidated in vendee a retro.

Q: What are the requisites for the filing of an application under Sec. 14(1) of PD. No. 1529? A: 1.

2. Trust? 2. GR: Trustee may apply for registration. 3. XPN: Unless prohibited by the instrument creating the trust. Note: Trusteeship or trust is a fiduciary relationship with respect to property which involves the existence of equitable duties imposed upon the holder of the title to the property to deal with it for the benefit of another

4.

Note: There must be an express declaration by the State that the public dominion property is no longer intended for public service or the development of the national wealth or that the property has been converted into patrimonial. Without such express declaration, the property, even if classified as alienable or disposable, remains property of the public dominion, pursuant to Article 420(2), and thus incapable of acquisition by prescription. It is only when such alienable and disposable lands are expressly declared by the State to be no longer intended for public service or for the development of the national wealth that the period of acquisitive prescription can begin to run. Such declaration shall be in the form of a law duly enacted by Congress or a Presidential Proclamation in cases where the President is duly authorized

3. Reserva troncal? Reservista has the right to apply for registration but the reservable character of the property will be annotated in the title. Note: In reserva troncal the ascendant who inherits from his descendant any property which the latter may have acquired by gratuitous title from another ascendant, or a brother or sister, is obliged to reserve such property as he may have acquired by operation of law for the benefit of relatives who are within the third degree and who belong to the line from which said property came.

by law. Q: In 1998, Iglesia ni Cristo filed its application for Registration of Title before the MCTC in Paoay-Currimao. Yet, the Republic filed an opposition to INC’s application. The cadastral court held that the essential elements for judicial confirmation of an imperfect title over the subject lot have been complied with. The CA also held that the INC has been in continuous, open, and peaceful possession and occupation of the lot for more than 40 years. May a judicial confirmation of imperfect title prosper when the subject property has been declared as alienable only after June 12, 1945?

Q: May private corporations hold alienable lands of public domain? A: No. The word “persons” refers to natural persons who are citizens of the Philippines. Juridical or artificial persons are excluded. Sec. 3, Art. XII of the 1987 Constitution prohibits private corporations or associations from holding alienable lands of the public domain except by lease. Private corporations or associations may not hold such alienbale lands of public domain except by lease, for a period not exceeding twenty-five years, renewable for not more than twenty-five years, and not to exceed one thousand hectares in area. But where at the time the corporation acquired land, its predecessor-in-interest had been in possession and occupation thereof in the manner and for the period prescribed by law as to entitle him to registration in his name, then the proscription against corporation acquiring alienable lands of the public domain


That the property is an agricultural land of public domain; That it has been classified by a positive act of government as alienable and disposable (A and D); That the applicant, by himself or through his predecessors-in-interest has been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of the land in the concept of owner (OCENCO); and That such possession and occupation is under a bona fide claim of ownership since June 12, 1945 or earlier.

A: In Naguit, the Court held a less stringent requirement in the application of Sec. 14(1) of PD 1529 in that the reckoning for the period of possession is the actual possession of the property and it is sufficient for the property sought to be registered to be already alienable and disposable at the time of the application for registration of title is filed.

444

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS The possession of INC has been established not only from 1952 and 1959 when it purchased the respective halves of the subject lot, but is also tacked on to the possession of its predecessors-in-interest. These possessions and occupation––from Sabuco, including those of his parents, to INC; and from Sabuco to Badanguio to INC––had been in the concept of owners: open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession and occupation under a bona fide claim of acquisition of property. These had not been disturbed as attested to by respondent’s witnesses (Republic of the Philippines v. Iglesia ni Cristo, G.R. No. 180067, June 30, 2009).

2. 3. 4.

Title to Accretion in river banks; Reclamation; or Title by Escheat (Rule 91, Rules of Court) PATENTS UNDER THE PUBLIC LAND ACT

Q: What are the different kinds of patents under the Public Land Act? To whom are they granted and what are the requirements for acquisition of such? A: TO WHOM GRANTED Homestead Patent

REQUIREMENTS

To any Filipino citizen over the age of 18 years or head of a family

Does not own more than 24 hectares of land in the Philippines or has not had the benefit of any gratuitous allotment of more than 24 hectares Must have resided continuously for at least 1 year in the municipality where the land is situated Must have cultivated at least 1/5 of the land applied for

Q: When is possession adverse? A: Possession of land is adverse when it is open and notorious. It is open when it is patent, visible, and apparent and it is notorious when it is so conspicuous that it is generally known and talked of by public or the people in the neighborhood. Q: Is adverse possession similar with the possession required in acquisitive prescription? A: Yes. Possession, to constitute the foundation of a prescriptive right, must be possession under a claim of title or it must be adverse (Cuaycong v. Benedicto, G.R. No. 9989, Mar. 13, 1918)

Free Patent

Q: An Emancipation Patent OCT was issued in Remy’s favor. However, Madarieta filed a complaint for annulment and cancellation of the OCT against Remy before the DARAB, alleging that the Department of Agrarian Reform mistakenly included her husband’s lot as part of Luspo’s property where Remy’s house was constructed. From the facts of the case, what is the nature of Remy’s possession of the subject land?

To any natural born citizen of the Philippines

Sales Patent Citizens of the Philippines of lawful age or such citizens not of lawful age who is head of a family may purchase public agricultural land of not more than 12 hectares

A: Remy possessed the subject land in the concept of an owner. No objection was interposed against his possession of the subject land and Remy did not employ fraud in the issuance of the emancipation patent and title. In fact, Madarieta faulted the DAR, not him (Rementizo v. Heirs of Vda. De Madarieta, G.R. No. 170318, Jan. 15, 2009). Q: Against whom can acquisition of ownership by prescription not be used?

To have at least 1/5 of the land broken and cultivated within 5 years from the date of the award Shall have established actual occupancy, cultivation and improvement of at least 1/5 of the land until the date of such final payment

Special Patents

A: Acquisition of ownership by prescription is unavailing against the registered owner and his hereditary successors because under Section 47 of the Property Registration Decree, registered lands are not subject to prescription. No title to registered land in derogation of the title of the registered owner shall be acquired by prescription or adverse possession (Agcaoili, Reviewer in property registration and related proceedings, p. 341, 2008 ed)

To non-Christian Filipinos under Sec. 84 of the Public Land Act

Sec. of the DILG shall certify that the majority of the non-Christian inhabitants of any given reservation have advanced sufficiently in civilization

Q: How are patents acquired? A: By: 1. Succession (testate or intestate) a. By descent – title is acquired when an heir succeeds the deceased owner whether by testate or intestate.

ACQUISITION OF TITLE BY LAW Q: How may land titles be acquired by law? A: 1.

Does not own more than 12 hectares of land Has continuously occupied and cultivated, either by himself or his predecessorsin-interest tract/s of agricultural public land subject to disposition

Free Patents based on Public Land Act;

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CIVIL LAW b.

2.

By devise – person acquires land from one who may or may not be a relative, if he is named in the deceased’s will as devisee for such property. Prescription – Possession of land for required number of years and assertion of ownership through an uninterrupted actual possession of property within the period of time prescribed by law (Arts. 712, 1134, 1137, NCC).

2.

3. 4.

LAND PATENTS 5. Q: How are public lands suitable for agricultural purposes disposed of?

6.

A: Public Lands suitable for agricultural purposes are disposed as follows: 1. homestead settlement; 2. sale; 3. lease; 4. confirmation of imperfect title or incomplete titles either by judicial or administrative legalization; or 5. free title.

Q: What are the exceptions to the rule on restrictions on alienation or encumbrance of lands titled pursuant to patents? A: 1. 2.

When a homesteader has complied with all the terms and conditions which entitle him to a patent for a particular tract of public land, he acquires a vested interest therein, enough to be regarded as the equitable owner thereof. Where the right to a patent to land has once become vested in a purchaser of public lands, it is equivalent to a patent actually issued. The execution and delivery of patent, after the right to a particular parcel of land has become complete, are the mere ministerial acts of the officer charged with that duty. Even without a patent, a perfected homestead is a property right in the fullest sense, unaffected by the fact that the paramount title to the land is still in the government. Such land may be conveyed or inherited.

A: Reversion suits, the objective of which is the cancellation of the certificate of title and the consequent reversions of the land covered thereby to the State. Q: Gerardo acquired title over 2 parcels of land located in Cagayan covered by OCT No. P-311 through the grant of Homestead Patent No. V-6269 in his favour on January 12, 1951. Upon Gherardo’s death however, respondents discovered that OCT No. P-311 had been cancelled as the same has been sold to Juan Binayug. Thus, respondents filed a complaint “for declaration of nullity of title, annulment of instrument, and declaration of ownership with damages against the petitioners. According to them, the purported sale between Gerardo and Juan was prohibited under CA No. 141 and that the sale violated the 5-year prohibitory period under Sec. 118 of the Public Land Act. Is the contention of the respondents correct?

Note: When a free patent title is issued to an applicant and the sea water moves toward the estate of the title holder, the invaded property becomes part of the foreshore land. The land under the Torrens system reverts to the public domain and the title is annulled.

A: Yes. To reiterate, Section 118 of the Public Land Act, as amended, reads that “[e]xcept in favor of the Government or any of its branches, units, or institutions, or legally constituted banking corporations, lands acquired under free patent or homestead provisions shall not be subject to encumbrance or alienation from the date of the approval of the application and for a term of five years from and after the date of issuance of the patent or grant x x x.” The provisions of law are clear and explicit. A contract which purports to alienate, transfer, convey, or encumber any homestead within the prohibitory period of five years from the date of the issuance of the patent is void from its execution. In a number of cases, this Court has held that

After a free patent application is granted and the corresponding certificate of title is issued, the land ceased to be part of the public domain and becomes private property over which the Director of Lands had neither control nor jurisdiction.

Q: What are the restrictions on alienation or encumbrance of lands titled pursuant to patents?

Lands acquired under free patent or homestead patent is prohibited from being alienated, except if in favor of the government, 5 years from and after the issuance of the patent or grant. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Actions for partition because it is not a conveyance, Alienations or encumbrances made in favor of the government.

Q: What is the proper action in cases of improper or illegal issuance of patents?

As evidence of ownership of land, a homestead patent prevails over a land tax declaration. (Jose Medina v. Court of Appeals & The Heirs of the Late Abundio Castaňares, G.R. No. 137582, August 29, 2012.)

A: 1.

No alienation, transfer or conveyance of any homestead after five (5) years and before twenty-five (25) years after the issuance of title shall be valid without the approval of the Secretary of DENR. (C.A. No. 141 as amended by C.A. No. 458) It cannot be alienated within five (5) years after approval of such patent application. It cannot be liable for the satisfaction of debt within five (5) years after the approval of such patent application. It is subject to repurchase of the heirs within five (5) years after alienation when such is already allowed. No private corporation, partnership or association may lease such land unless it is solely for commercial, industrial, educational, religious or charitable purposes, or right of way (subject to the consent of the grantee and the approval of the Secretary of the DENR). [The Public Land Act (C.A. No. 141)].

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LAND TITLES AND DEEDS such provision is mandatory (Binayug v. Ugaddan, et al. GR No. 181623, Dec. 5, 2012).

Once a patent is registered and the corresponding certificate of title is issued, the land covered thereby ceases to be part of public domain and becomes private property, and the Torrens Title issued pursuant to the patent becomes indefeasible upon the expiration of one year from the date of such issuance.

Q: Respondents are the grantees of agricultural public lands in General Santos City through Homestead and Fee patents sometime in 1986 and 1991. Negotiations were made by Petitioner sometime in 1995 and eventually a Deed of Conditional Sale of the properties in question was executed in favour of Petitioner Filinvest Land Inc. A few days after the execution of the aforestated deeds, respondents came to know that the sale was null and void because it was done within the period they were not allowed to do so and that the sale did not have the approval of the secretary of DENR. Thus, they filed a case for declaration of nullity of the deeds of conditional and absolute sale of the questioned properties. Will the action prosper?

However, a title emanating from a free patent which was secured through fraud does not become indefeasible, precisely because the patent from whence the title sprung is itself void and of no effect whatsoever. Well-settled is the doctrine that the registration of a patent under the Torrens System does not by itself vest title; it merely confirms the registrant’s already existing one. Verily, registration under the Torrens System is not a mode of acquiring ownership. Nonetheless, a free patent that was fraudulently acquired, and the certificate of title issued pursuant to the same, may only be assailed by the government in an action for reversion pursuant to Section 101 of the Public Land Act. Since it was the Director of Lands who processed and approved the applications of the appellants and who ordered the issuance of the corresponding free patents in their favor in his capacity as administrator of the disposable lands of the public domain, the action for annulment should have been initiated by him, or at least with his prior authority and consent. (Nancy T. Lorzano vs. Juan Tabayag, Jr., G.R. No. 189647. February 6, 2012.)

A: The five-year prohibitory period following the issuance of the homestead patent is provided under Section 118 of the Public Land Act. It bears stressing that the law was enacted to give the homesteader or patentee every chance to preserve for himself and his family the land that the State had gratuitously given to him as a reward for his labour in cleaning and cultivating it. In the present case, the negotiations for the purchase of the properties covered by the patents issued in 1991 were made in 1995 and, eventually, an undated Deed of Conditional Sale was executed. Petitioner raises the issue whether by a deed of conditional sale there was “alienation or encumbrance” within the contemplation of the law. The prohibition does not distinguish between consummated and executory sale. The conditional sale entered into by the parties is still a conveyance of the homestead patent; that the formal deed of sale was executed after the expiration of the staid period did not and could not legalize a contract that was void from its inception. Nevertheless, petitioner does not err in seeking the return of the down payment as a consequence of the sale having been declared void. The rule is settled that the declaration of nullity of a contract which is void ab initio operates to restore things to the state and condition in which they were found before the execution thereof. (Filinvest Land, Inc., Efren C. Gutierrer vs. Abdul Backy, Abehera, Baiya, Edris, et al. G.R. No. 174715. October 11, 2012)

ACCRETION Q: Differentiate accretion from alluvium. A: Alluvium is the soil imperceptibly and gradually deposited on lands adjoining the banks of rivers caused by the current of the water. Accretion is the process whereby the soil is so deposited. Q: What are the requisites of accretion? A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: To whom may free patent be issed?

Note: In Republic v. CA and Tancinco, the court found that the alleged alluvial deposits were artificial and manmade and not the exclusive result fo the current of the Merycauayan and Bocaue rivers. The deposits came into being not because of the sole effect of the current of the rivers but as a result of the transfer of the dike towards the river and encroaching upon it (G.R. No. L-61647, Oct. 12, 1984).

A: A Free Patent may be issued where the applicant is: a. b. c.

d.

The deposit of soil or sediment be gradual and imperceptible; It is the result of the current of the waters (river/sea); and The land where accretion takes place is adjacent to the banks of rivers or the sea coast.

a natural-born citizen of the Philippines; is not the owner of more than twelve (12) hectares of land; has continuously occupied and cultivated, either by himself or through his predecessors-ininterest, a tract or tracts of agricultural public land subject to disposition, for at least 30 years prior to the effectivity of Republic Act No. 6940; and has paid the real taxes thereon while the same has not been occupied by any person.

Q: What is the rule on ownership of abandoned river beds by right of accession? A: Under Article 461 of the Civil Code, river beds which are abandoned through the natural change in the course of the waters ipso facto belong to the owners whose lands are occupied by the new course in proportion to the area lost.

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CIVIL LAW However, the owners of the lands adjoining the old bed shall have the right to acquire the same by paying the value thereof, which value shall not exceed the value of the area occupied by the new bed.

recedes, soils, rocks and other materials are deposited on Jessica’s and Jenny’s properties. This pattern of the river swelling, receding and depositing soil and other materials being deposited on the neighbors’ properties have gone on for many years. Knowing this pattern, Jessica constructed a concrete barrier about 2 meters from her property line and extending towards the river, so that when the water recedes, soil and other materials are trapped within this barrier. After several years, the area between Jessica’s property line to the concrete barrier was completely filled with soil, effectively increasing Jessica’s property by 2 meters. Jenny’s property, where no barrier was constructed, also increased by one meter along the side of the river.

Q: What is the rule on ownership by right of accretion along river banks? A: Article 457 of the Civil Code provides that to the owners of lands adjoining the banks of rivers belong the accretion which they gradually receive from the effects of the current of the waters. Q: What is the rule on accretion along the banks of creeks, streams and lakes?

Can Jessica and Jenny legally claim ownership over the additional 2 meters and one meter, respectively, of land deposited along their properties?

A: Alluvial deposits along the banks of creeks, streams and lakes do not form part of the public domain as the alluvial property automatically belongs to the owner of the estate to which it may have been added. That the owner of the adjoining property must register the same under the Torrens system otherwise, the alluvial property may be subject to acquisition through prescription by third persons.

A: Jenny can legally claim ownership of the lands by right of accession (accretion) under Article 457 of the Civil Code. The lands came into being over the years through the gradual deposition of soil and silt by the natural action of the waters of the river.

Q: What is the rule on accretion on the sea bank? Jessica cannot claim the two meter-wide strip of land added to her land. Jessica constructed the cement barrier two meters in front of her property towards the river not to protect her land from the destructive forces of the water but to trap the alluvium. In order that the riparian owner may be entitled to the alluvium the deposition must occur naturally without the intervention of the riparian owner (Republic v. CA 132 SCRA 514 [1984]).

A: Still of public domain, and is not available for private ownership until formally declared by the government to be no longer needed for public use (Republic v. Amanda Vda. De Castillo, G.R. No. L-69002 June 30, 1988). Q: If the area of a non-registrable land is increased due to accretion, may the alluvial deposits be subjected to private ownership?

Q: If Jessica’s and Jenny’s properties are registered, will the benefit of such registration extend to the increased area of their properties?

A: No. Non-registrable lands (property of public dominion) are outside the commerce of man, they are not subject to private appropriation.

A: No, the registration of Jessica’s and Jenny’s adjoining property does not automatically extend to the accretions. They have to bring their lands under the operation of the Torrens system of land registration following the procedure prescribed in P.D. No. 1529.

Q: If the land, the area of which is increased by accretion, has already been registered, is there still a need to register the alluvion? A: Yes. Accretion does not automatically become registered. It needs a new registration.

Q: Assume the two properties are on a cliff adjoining the shore of Laguna Lake. Jessica and Jenny had a hotel built on the properties. They had the earth and rocks excavated from the properties dumped on the adjoining shore, giving rise to a new patch of dry land. Can they validly lay claim to the patch of land? (2008 Bar Question)

Q: If the land area has been diminished due to accretion, may the riparian owner claim protection against such diminution based on the fact of registration of his land? A: Registration does not protect the riparian owner against diminution of land through accretion. Accretions become the property of the owners of the banks and are natural incidents to land bordering on running streams and the provisions of the Civil Code thereon are not affected by the Land Registration Act (now Property Registration Decree) (Republic v. CA and Tancinco, G.R. No. L-61647, Oct. 12, 1984).

A: Jessica and Jenny cannot validly lay claim to the price of dry land that resulted from the dumping of rocks and earth materials excavated from their properties because it is a reclamation without authority. The land is part of the lakeshore, if not the lakebed, which is inalienable land of the public domain. Q: Alleging continuous and adverse possession of more than 10 years, respondent Arcadio Santos III applied for registration of Lot 4998-B located in Parañaque City. It was bounded in the Northeast by Lot 4079 in the southeast by

Q: The properties of Jessica and Jenny, who are neighbors, lie along the banks of the Marikina River. At certain times of the year, the river would swell and as the water UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

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LAND TITLES AND DEEDS the Parañaque River. Arcadio alleged that the property has been formed through accretion and had been in their joint, open, notorious, public, continuous and adverse possession for more than 30 years. Can he claim the property by virtue of acquisitive prescription pursuant to Sec. 14(1) of the Property Registration Decree?

UNDER C.A. 141 Q: Who may apply for registration under the Public Land Act or CA No. 141?

A: The principle that the riparian owner whose land receives the gradual deposits of soil does not need to make an express act of possession, and that no acts of possession are necessary in that instance because it is the law itself that pronounces the alluvium to belong to the riparian owner from the time that the deposit created by the current of the water becomes manifest has no applicability herein. This is simply because the lot was not formed through accretion. Hence the ownership of the land adjacent to the river bank by respondents’ predecessor-ininterest did not translate to possession of the subject lot that would ripen to acquisitive prescription.

Note: The following conditions must concur in order that the benefits of the Public Land Act on the confirmation of imperfect or incomplete title may be availed of:

A: Those who by themselves or through their predecessorsin-interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of alienable and disposable agricultural lands of the public domain, under a bona fide claim of acquisition or ownership, since June 12, 1945, except when prevented by war or force majeure.

1. 2.

3.

Yet, even conceding, for the sake of argument that respondents possessed the subject lot for more than thirty years in the character they claimed, they did not thereby acquire the land by prescription or by other means without any competent proof that the land was already declared as alienable and disposable by the government. Absent that declaration, the land still belonged to the State as part of its public dominion. (Republic of the Philippines v. Arcadio Ivan Santos III and Arcadio Santos, Jr. G.R. No. 160453. November 12, 2012)

4.

The applicant must be a Filipino citizen; He must have, by himself or through his predecessorsin-interest, possessed and occupied an alienable and disposable agricultural portion of the public domain; Such possession and occupation must have been open, continuous, exclusive, notorious and in the concept of owner, since June, 12, 1945; and The application must be filed with the proper court.

Q: What is meant by public land? A: The term is uniformly used to describe so much of the national domain under the legislative power of the Congress as has not been subjected to private right or devoted to public use. Q: What are the means by which public lands may be disposed of?

RECLAMATION Q: What is reclamation?

A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

A: Reclamation is the act of filling up of parts of the sea for conversion to land. Note: It must be initially owned by the government. It may be subsequently transferred to private owners.

Q: Who may undertake reclamation projects?

For homestead settlement; By sale; By lease; By confirmation of imperfect or incomplete titles: a. By judicial legalization; or b. By administrative legalization (free patent)

Q: When is a person deemed to possess an imperfect title over property?

A: Only the National Government may engage in reclamation projects.

A: When the applicant for confirmation of imperfect title has shown possession and occupation that is: (OCENI) 1. open, 2. continuous, 3. exclusive and 4. notorious 5. in the concept of an owner

Q: To whom does a reclaimed area belong? A: Under the Regalian doctrine, the State owns all waters and lands of the public domain, including those physically reclaimed. Q: Differentiate action for reversion from escheat proceeding

Q: What is the effect of possession of an imperfect title? A: When the conditions set by law are complied with, the possessor of the land, by operation of law, acquires a right to government grant, without the necessity of a certificate of the title being issued.

A: An action for reversion is slightly different from escheat proceeding, but in its effects they are the same. They only differ in procedure. Escheat proceedings may be instituted as a consequence of a violation of the Constitution which prohibits transfers of private agricultural lands to aliens, whereas an action for reversion is expressly authorized by the Public Land Act (Rellosa v. Gaw Chee Hun, G.R. No. L1411, Sept. 29, 1953).

Q: RP opposed the application for registration filed by Manna Properties under Sec. 48(b), CA No. 141 arguing that, as a private corporation, it is disqualified from

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CIVIL LAW Note: Extended period for filing of application – Sec. 1, R.A. 9176 provides in part that, “The time to be fixed in the entire archipelago for the filing of applications shall not extend beyond December 31, 2020. Provided that the area applied for does not exceed 12 hectares.”

holding alienable lands of the public domain, except by lease, citing Sec. 3, Art. XII, 1987 Constitution. On the other hand, Manna Properties claims that the land in question has been in the open and exclusive possession of its predecessors-in-interest since the 1940s, thus, the land was already private land when Manna Properties acquired it from its predecessors-in-interest. Decide.

Q: In 1913, Gov. Gen. Forbes reserved for provincial park purposes a parcel of land which, sometime thereafter, the court ordered registered in Palomo’s name. In 1954, then Pres. Magsaysay converted the land into the Tiwi Hot Spring National Park, under the management of the Bureau of Forest Development. The area was never released as alienable or disposable. The Palomos, however, continued to possess the said property, had introduced improvements therein as well as paid real estate taxes. The Republic now seeks the cancellation of the titles over the subject land. Should the cancellation be granted?

A: Lands that fall under Sec. 48, CA No. 141 are effectively segregated from the public domain by virtue of acquisitive prescription. Open, exclusive and undisputed possession of alienable public land for the period prescribed by CA No. 141 ipso jure converts such land into private land. Judicial confirmation in such cases is only a formality that merely confirms the earlier conversion of the land into private land, the conversion having occurred in law from the moment the required period of possession became complete.

A: Yes. The adverse possession which may be the basis of a grant of title in confirmation of imperfect title cases applies only to alienable lands of the public domain. There is no question that the lands in the case at bar were not alienable lands of the public domain. The records show that such were never declared as alienable and disposable and subject to private alienation prior to 1913 up to the present (Sps. Palomo, et. al., v. CA, et. al., G.R. No. 95608, Jan. 21, 1997).

Under CA No. 141, the reckoning point is June 12, 1945. If the predecessors-in-interest of Manna Properties have been in possession of the land in question since this date, or earlier, Manna Properties may rightfully apply for confirmation of title to the land. Manna Properties, a private corporation, may apply for judicial confirmation of the land without need of a separate confirmation proceeding for its predecessors-in-interest first (Republic v. Manna Properties Inc., G.R. No. 146527, Jan. 31, 2005).

Q: Bracewell asserts that he has a right of title to a parcel of land having been, by himself and through his predecessors-in-interest, in xxx occupation xxx under a bona fide claim of ownership since 1908. Thus, he filed an application for registration in 1963 but the he land has been classified as alienable or disposable only on May 27, 1972. May his application for confirmation of imperfect title be granted?

Q: Who may apply for judicial confirmation? A: 1.

Filipino citizens who by themselves or through their predecessors-in-interest have been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of alienable and disposable lands of public domain under a bona fide claim of acquisition since June 12, 1945 or prior thereto or since time immemorial;

2.

Filipino citizens who by themselves or their predecessors-in-interest have been, prior to the effectivity of PD 1073 on January 25, 1977, in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession and occupation of agricultural lands of the public domain under a bona fide claim of acquisition or ownership for at least 30 years, or at least since January 24, 1947;

3.

Private domestic corporations or associations which had acquired lands from Filipino citizens who had possessed the same in the manner and for the length of time indicated in paragraphs 1 & 2 above; or

4.

Natural-born citizens of the Philippines who have lost their citizenship and who has the legal capacity to enter into a contract under Philippine laws may be a transferee of private land up to a maximum are of 5,000 sq.m., in case of urban land, or 3 hectares in case of rural land to be used by him for business or other purposes.


A: No. The land was only classified as alienable or disposable on May 27, 1972. Prior to said date, when the subject parcels of land were classified as inalienable or not disposable, the same could not be the subject of confirmation of imperfect title. There can be no imperfect title to be confirmed over lands not yet classified as disposable or alienable. In the absence of such classification, the land remains unclassified public land until released and opened to disposition. Indeed, it has been held that the rules on the confirmation of imperfect title do not apply unless and until the land classified as forest land is released in an official proclamation to that effect so that it may form part of the disposable agricultural lands of the public domain (Bracewell v. CA, G.R. No. 107427, Jan. 25, 2000) Q: In an application for judicial confirmation of imperfect title filed by Naguit, the OSG argues that the property xxx must first be alienable. Since the subject land was declared alienable only on 1980, Naguit could not have maintained a bona fide claim of ownership since June 12, 1945, as required by Section 14 of the Property Registration Decree, since prior to 1980, the land was not alienable or disposable. Is it necessary under Section 14(1)

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LAND TITLES AND DEEDS of the Property Registration Decree (now Sec. 48 (b) of the Public Land Act) that the subject land be first classified as alienable and disposable before the applicant’s possession under a bona fide claim of ownership could start?

Q: What are the requisites in ordinary registration proceedings and judicial confirmation of imperfect title? A: SA-ST-PSA-HPIEST 1. Survey of land by Bureau of Lands or any duly licensed private surveyor 2. Filing of Application for registration by applicant 3. Setting of date for initial hearing by the court 4. Transmittal of application and date of initial hearing with all documents or other pieces of evidence attached thereto by clerk of court to National Land Titles and Deeds Registration Administration (NALTDRA) 5. Publication of notice of filing of application and date and place of hearing 6. Service of notice by sheriff upon contiguous owners, occupants and those known to have interest in the property 7. Filing of Answer or opposition to the application by any person whether named in the notice or not 8. Hearing of case by court 9. Promulgation of judgment by court 10. Issuance of a decree by court declaring the decision final, and instructing the NALDTRA to issue a decree of confirmation and registration 11. Entry of decree of registration in NALDTRA 12. Sending of copy of the decree of registration to corresponding RD 13. Transcription of decree of registration in the registration book and issuance of owner’s duplicate original certificate of title (OCT) of applicant by RD, upon payment of prescribed fees

A: No. Section 14(1) merely requires the property sought to be registered as already alienable and disposable at the time the application for registration of title is filed. If the State, at the time the application is made, has not yet deemed it proper to release the property for alienation or disposition, the presumption is that the government is still reserving the right to utilize the property; hence, the need to preserve its ownership in the State irrespective of the length of adverse possession even if in good faith. However, if the property has already been classified as alienable and disposable, as it is in this case, then there is already an intention on the part of the State to abdicate its exclusive prerogative over the property. (Republic v. CA and Naguit, G.R. No. 144057, Jan. 17, 2005) Note: This case is distinguishable from Bracewell v. CA, where the claimant had been in possession of the land since 1908 and had filed his application in 1963, or nine (9) years before the property was declared alienable and disposable in 1972. Hence, registration was denied. The Bracewell ruling will not apply in this case because here, the application was made years after the property had been certified as alienable and disposable. A different rule obtains for forest lands, such as those which form part of a reservation for provincial park purposes the possession of which cannot ripen into ownership. It is elementary in the law governing natural resources that forest land cannot be owned by private persons. As held in Palomo v. CA, forest land is not registrable and possession thereof, no matter how lengthy, cannot convert it into private property, unless such lands are reclassified and considered disposable and alienable. In the case at bar, the property in question was undisputedly classified as disposable and alienable; hence, the ruling in Palomo is inapplicable.

Note: After judgment has become final and executory, the issuance of decree and OCT is ministerial on the part of LRA and RD.

Q: Are the Rules of Court applicable in land registration proceedings

UNDER R.A. 8371 Q: What law governs the ownership and disposition of ancestral lands and ancestral domains?

A: The Rules of Court could be applied in land registration proceedings in a suppletory character or whenever practicable or convenient.

A: RA 8371 of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) which was enacted October 29, 1997. The IPRA is a law dealing with a specific group of peoples, i.e., the Indigenous cultural communities or the indigenous peoples. The law allows indigenous peoples to obtain recognition of their right of ownership over ancestral lands and ancestral domains by virtue of native title.

Note: Motion to intervene in a land registration case is not allowed.

APPLICATION Q: What is the form of the application for registration or judicial confirmation?

REGISTRATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

A: In writing; 1. Signed by the applicant or person duly authorized in his behalf;

Q: What are the modes of registering land titles? A: There are two modes: 1. Original registration proceedings under the Property Registration Decree (PD 1529), and 2. Confirmation of imperfect or incomplete title under Section 48(b) of the Public Land Act, as amended.

451

2.

Sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths for the province or city where the application was actually signed; and

3.

If there is more than 1 applicant, they shall be signed and sworn to by and in behalf of each.


CIVIL LAW Q: What are the contents of the application?

Q: What is the rule regarding application covering two or more parcels?

A: D CAME FAR N 1. Description of the land applied for together with the buildings and improvements; the plan approved by Director of Lands and the technical descriptions must be attached

A: An application may include two or more parcels of land belonging to the applicant/s provided they are situated within the same province or city (Sec 18, P.D. 1529). Q: Where shall the application be filed?

2.

Citizenship and civil status of the applicant a. If married, name of spouse b. If the marriage has been legally dissolved, when and how the marriage relation was terminated

3.

Assessed value of the land and the buildings and other improvements based on the last assessment for taxation purposes

4.

Manner of acquisition of land

5.

Mortgage or Encumbrance affecting the land or names of other persons who may have an interest therein, legal or equitable

6.

The court may require Facts to be stated in the application in addition to those prescribed by the Decree not inconsistent therewith and may require the filing of additional papers

7.

Full names and addresses of All occupants of the land and those of the adjoining owners, if known, and if not known, the applicant shall state the extent of the search made to find them

8.

9.

A: If the application covers a single parcel of land situated within: 1. only one city or province: RTC or MTC, as the case may be, of the province or city where the land is situated. 2. two or more provinces or cities: a. When boundaries are not defined – in the RTC or MTC of the place where it is declared for taxation purposes. b. When boundaries are defined – separate plan for each portion must be made by a surveyor and a separate application for each lot must be filed with the appropriate RTC or MTC. Note: MeTC, MCTC, and MTC has jurisdiction to decide cadastral and land registration cases, provided: 1. There is no controversy or opposition (uncontested lots); or 2. Value of contested lots does not exceed P100,000 (Sec. 4, R.A. 7691) In other cases, the RTC has jurisdiction.

Q: Does the RTC acting as a land registration court have general or limited jurisdiction?

If the application describes the land as bounded by a public or private way or Road, it shall state whether or not the applicant claims any portion of the land within the limits of the way or road, and whether the applicant desires to have the line of way or road determined

A: Sec. 2 of P.D. No. 1529 has eliminated the distinction between the general and the limited jurisdiction of the registration court. All conflicting claims of ownership and interest in the land, and related issues submitted to the court with or without the unanimity of the parties, may now be heard and resolved by the court. The court is now authorized to hear and decide not only non-controversial cases but even contentious issues which used to be beyond its competence.

If the applicant is a Non-resident of the Philippines, he shall file an instrument in due form appointing an agent residing in the Philippines and shall agree that service of any legal process shall be of the same legal effect as if made upon the applicant within the Philippines (Sec.16, PD 1529)

Q: What are the purposes of the publication requirement for notice of the filing of the application and the date and place of hearing?

Q: What documents must accompany the application?

A: To: 1. 2.

A: All muniments of titles and copies thereof with survey plan approved by Bureau of Lands must accompany the application.

confer jurisdiction upon the court over the res. Apprise the whole world of the pending registration case so that they may assert their rights or interests in the land, if any, and oppose the application.

Q: What are muniments of title? Note: The settled rule is that once the registration court had acquired jurisdiction over a certain parcel, or parcels of land in the registration proceedings by virtue of the publication of the application, that jurisdiction attaches to the land or lands mentioned and described in the application.

A: They are instruments or written evidence which the applicant holds/possesses to enable him to substantiate and prove title to his estate.


452

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS Q: May publication of the notice of filing of application and date and place of hearing be dispensed with?

but only insofar – as the land not included in the publication concerned. But the proceedings and the decree of registration, relating to the lands that were included in the publication, are valid.

A: No. Publication of the notice of filing of application and date and place of hearing is mandatory.

XPN: However, if the difference is not as substantial as would affect the identity of the land, failure to publish the bigger area (insubstantial inclusion) does not perforce affect the court’s jurisdiction.

Q: Where must the said notice be published? A: 1. 2.

Once in the Official Gazette (OG) – this confers jurisdiction upon the court; and Once in a newspaper of general circulation

Q: When may an amendment of the application be made? A: Amendments to the application including joinder, substitution, or discontinuance as to the parties may be allowed by the court at any stage of the proceedings upon just and reasonable terms. (Sec. 19, PD 1529)

Note: Publication in the Official Gazette is sufficient to confer jurisdiction upon the court (Sec. 23, P.D. 1529).

Q: What is considered conclusive proof of publication and notice?

Q: What are the requirements in amending the application?

A: The certification of the LRA Administrator and of the sheriff to the effect that the publication of the notice of initial hearing and posting as required by law has been complied with.

A: 1. Publication Mailing of notice – Within 7 days after publication of said notice in the OG to: a. Every person named in the notice whose address is known. b. Secretary of Public Highways, Provincial Governor and Mayor, if the applicant requests to have the line of a public way or road determined c. Secretary of Agrarian Reform, Solicitor General, Director of Lands, Director of Fisheries, and Director of Mines, if the land borders on a river, navigable stream, or shore, or on an arm of the sea where a river or harbor lies d. Other persons as the court may deem proper

Q: When is publication defective? A: There is a defective publication in the following instances: 1.

Where what was published in the Official Gazette is the description of a bigger lot which includes the lands subject of registration. Reasons: a. Sec. 15, PD 1529 requires that the application for registration should contain the description of the land subject of registration and this is the description to be published; b. It is the publication of specific boundaries of lands to be registered that would actually put the interested parties on notice of the registration proceedings and enable them, if they have rights and interests in the property, to show why the application for registration should not be granted; c. The adjoining owners of the bigger lot would not be the same owners of the smaller lots subject of registration. Hence, notice to adjoining owners of the bigger lot is not notice to those of the smaller lots.

2.

Note: Service of notice upon contiguous owners is indispensable and lack of service constitutes extrinsic fraud.

2. Posting – In conspicuous place on subject land and on bulletin board of the municipal building for at least fourteen (14) days before the initial hearing. Q: Is publication and notice necessary in case the application is amended? A: Publication and notice are necessary where the amendment to the application consists in: SIA 1. 2. 3.

Where the actual publication of the notice of initial hearing was after the hearing itself.

Substantial change in the boundaries Increase in the area of the land applied for The inclusion of Additional land

Note: Without such publication, the registration court cannot acquire jurisdiction over the area that is added.

Q: What is the effect of a defective publication?

Q: When is publication not necessary in case the application is amended?

A: It deprives the court of jurisdiction. GR: If it is later shown that the decree of registration had included land or lands not included in the publication, then the registration proceedings and the decree of registration must be declared null and void –

A: 1.

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If the amendment consists in the exclusion of a portion of the area covered by the original application and the


CIVIL LAW original plan as previously published, publication is not necessary (Exclusion).

a

new

independent of, and not subordinate to, the rights of the government.

Note: In this case, the jurisdiction of the court is not affected by the failure of filing a new application.

2.

Q: Who may be proper oppositors in specific cases? A: The following may be proper oppositors: 1. A homesteader who has not yet been issued his title but who had fulfilled all the conditions required by law to entitle him to a patent. 2. A purchaser of friar land before the issuance of the patent to him. 3. Persons who claim to be in possession of a tract of public land and have applied with the Bureau of Lands for its purchase. 4. The Government relative to the right of foreshore lessees of public land as the latter’s rights is not based on dominion or real right independent of the right of the government.

Amendments to the application including joinder, substitution or discontinuance as to the parties. a. Joinder means joining of two or more defendants or plaintiffs involved in a single claim, or where two or more claims or remedies can be disposed of in the same legal proceedings. b.

Substitution means the replacement of one of the parties in a lawsuit because of events that prevent the party from continuing with the trial.

c.

Discontinuance means the voluntary termination of litigation by a plaintiff who has elected not to pursue it or by both parties pursuant to a settlement.

Q: May a private person oppose registration on the ground that the land sought to be registered is owned by the government?

Note: This may be allowed by the court at any stage of the proceedings upon just and equitable terms.

3.

A: No. A private person may not oppose an application for registration on the ground that the land applied for is a property of the government.

An amendment due to change of name of the applicant.

Q: Should an oppositor have title over the disputed land?

OPPOSITION

A: No. The oppositor need not show title in himself; he should however appear to have interest in the property.

Q: Who may properly oppose an application for registration?

Q: Should an oppositor’s interest over the land be legal or may it be merely equitable?

A: Any person claiming an interest, whether named in the notice or not, may appear and file an opposition on or before the date of initial hearing, or within such further time as may be allowed by the court. The opposition shall state all the objections to the application and shall set forth the interest claimed by the party filing the same and apply for the remedy desired, and shall be signed and sworn to by him or by some other duly authorized person (Sec. 25, PD No. 1529).

A: It is immaterial whether his interest is in the character of legal owner or is of a purely equitable nature as where he is a beneficiary of a trust. Q: When may a person be declared in default in land registration proceedings? A: A person may be declared in default if he fails to file an opposition.

Q: What are the requisites for a valid opposition? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Q: What is the effect of failure to oppose?

Set forth objections to the application; State interest claimed by oppositor; Apply for the remedy desired; and Signed and sworn to by him or by some other duly authorized person.

A: Order of default – The court shall, upon motion of the applicant, no reason to the contrary appearing, order a default to be recorded and require applicant to present evidence.

Note: The opposition partakes of the nature of an answer with a counterclaim.

Q: A judge declared in default an oppositor who had already filed with the court an opposition based on substantial grounds for his failure to appear at the initial hearing of the application for registration. Is the default order proper? If not, what is his remedy?

Q: Who may be an oppositor to the application for registration or judicial confirmation? A: Any person whether named in the notice or not, provided, his claim of interest in the property applied for is based on a right of dominion or some other real right


A: No, it is not. Failure of the oppositor to appear at the initial hearing is not a ground for default. In which case, his proper remedy is to file a petition for certiorari to contest the illegal declaration of order of default, not an appeal.

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LAND TITLES AND DEEDS Q: What is the effect of an order of default in land registration proceedings?

not, the petition shall be filed not later than 60 days counted from the notice of the denial of the motion (Sec. 4, Rule 65, Rules of Court)

A: An order of default issued in a land registration case, a proceeding in rem, is binding “against the whole world”, with the exception only of the parties who had appeared and filed pleadings in the registration case.

Q: Can a party who has been declared in default appeal from the judgment by default without first filing a motion to set aside the order of default? A: Yes. As held in the case of Martinez v. Republic: “If it cannot be made any clearer, we hold that a defendant party declared in default retains the right to appeal from the judgment by default on the ground that the plaintiff failed to prove the material allegations of the complaint, or that the decision is contrary to law, even without need of the prior filing of a motion to set aside the order of default. We reaffirm that the Lim Toco doctrine, denying such right to appeal unless the order of default has been set aside, was no longer controlling in this jurisdiction upon the effectivity of the 1964 Rules of Court, and up to this day.” (G.R. No. 160895, Oct. 30, 2005.)

Q: What is the effect of the absence of an opposition as regards allegations in the application? A: When there is no opposition, all allegations in the application are deemed confessed on the part of the opponent. Q: What if a certificate of title was issued covering nonregistrable lands without the government opposing, is the government estopped from questioning the same? A: The government cannot be estopped from questioning the validity of the certificates of title, which were granted without opposition from the government. The principle of estoppel does not operate against the government for the acts of its agents.

EVIDENCE REQUIRED Q: What must the applicant for land registration prove? A: The applicant must prove: DIP 1. Declassification – The land applied for has been declassified from the forest or timber zone and is a public agricultural land, is alienable and disposable, or otherwise capable of registration. 2. Identity of the land; and 3. Possession and occupation of the land for the length of time and in the manner required by law.

Q: If an order of general default is issued, may the court automatically grant the application? A: No. Even in the absence of an adverse claim, the applicant still has to prove that he possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to obtain the title. If he fails to do so, his application will not be granted.

Q: What may constitute sufficient proof to establish declassification of land from forest to alienable or disposable, or agricultural?

Q: What is the remedy of a person who was declared in default by the court? A: 1.

2.

A: POEM-CIL 1. Presidential proclamation 2. Administrative Order issued by the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources 3. Executive order 4. Bureau of Forest Development (BFD) Land Classification Map 5. Certification by the Director of Forestry, and reports of District Forester 6. Investigation reports of Bureau of Lands investigator 7. Legislative act, or by statute

Motion to set aside default order – A defaulted interested person may gain standing in court by filing such motion at any time after notice thereof and before judgment, upon proper showing that: a. his failure to answer (or file an opposition as in ordinary land registration case) was due to: FAME: i. Fraud ii. Accident iii. Mistake iv. Excusable Neglect b. and that he has a meritorious defense. (Sec. 3, Rule 9, Rules of Court) Petition for Certiorari – Failure of the oppositor to appear at the initial hearing is not a ground for default. In which case, his proper remedy is to file a petition for certiorari not later than sixty (60) days from notice of judgment, order or resolution to contest the illegal declaration or order of default, not an appeal. (Sec. 4, Rule 65, Rules of Court)

Q: The Cenizas applied for registration of their title over a parcel of public land which they inherited. Without presenting proof that the land in question is classified as alienable or disposable, the court granted the application, holding that mere possession for a period as provided for by law would automatically entitle the possessor the right to register public land in his name. Was the court ruling correct?

Note: The petition shall be filed not later than 60 days from notice of the order. In case a motion for reconsideration or new trial is timely filed, whether such motion is required or

A: No. Mere possession for a period required by law is not enough. The applicant has to establish first the disposable and alienable character of the public land, otherwise, public

455


CIVIL LAW lands, regardless of their classification, can be subject of registration of private titles, as long as the applicant shows that he meets the required years of possession. The applicant must establish the existence of a positive act of the government, such as a presidential proclamation or an executive order; administrative action; reports of Bureau of Lands investigators and a legislative act or a statute. (Republic v. Ceniza, G.R. No. 127060, Nov. 19, 2002)

Q: In case of conflict between areas and boundaries, which prevails? A: GR: Boundaries prevail over area. XPNs: 1. Boundaries relied upon do not identify land beyond doubt. 2. Boundaries given in the registration plan do not coincide with outer boundaries of the land covered and described in the muniments of title.

Q: What may be presented as proof of the identity of the land sought to be registered? 2

A: ST D 1. Survey plan in general 2. Tracing cloth plan and blue print copies of plan 3. Technical description of the land applied for, duly signed by a Geodetic Engineer 4. Tax Declarations

Q: What may constitute proof of possession? A: To prove possession, it is not enough to simply declare one’s possession and that of the applicant’s predecessorsin-interest to have been “adverse, continuous, open, public, peaceful and in concept of owner” for the required number of years. The applicant should present specific facts to show such nature of possession because bare allegations, without more, do not amount to preponderant evidence that would shift the burden to the oppositor (Diaz v. Republic, G.R. No. 141031, Aug. 31, 2004).

Q: What is the effect of the failure to present the original tracing cloth plan? A: While the submission in evidence of the original tracing cloth plan is a mandatory and even a jurisdictional requirement, the Court has recognized instances of substantial compliance with this rule. It is true that the best evidence to identify a piece of land for registration purposes is the original tracing cloth plan from the Bureau of Lands, but blueprint copies and other evidence could also provide sufficient identification. In the case of Republic v. Ludolfo y Muñoz, respondent submitted, among other things, the following supporting documents: (1) a blueprint copy of the survey plan approved by the Bureau of Lands; and (2) the technical descriptions duly verified and approved by the Director of Lands (G.R. No. 151910, October 15, 2007).

Q: What are some specific overt acts of possession which may substantiate a claim of ownership? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Introducing valuable improvements on the property like fruit-bearing trees; Fencing the area; Constructing a residential house thereon; or Declaring the same for taxation purposes.

Note: Evidence to be admissible must, however, be credible, substantial and satisfactory

Q: What are insufficient proofs of possession?

Q: Under what instance may its presentation be dispensed with?

A: COF-3T 1. Mere Casual cultivation of portions of the land by claimant.

A: If the survey plan is approved by the Director of Lands and its correctness has not been overcome by clear, strong and convincing evidence, the presentation of the tracing cloth plan may be dispensed with. Thus, original tracing cloth plan need not be presented in evidence. (Republic v. Ludolfo y Muñoz, G.R. No. 151910, Oct. 15, 2007).

Reason: Possession is not exclusive and notorious so as to give rise to a presumptive grant from the State.

Note: Under LRA Circular 05-2000, only a certified copy of the original tracing cloth plan need be forwarded to the LRA. Although mere blue print copies were presented in court as evidence, the original tracing cloth plan was attached to the application for registration and was available to the court for comparison. Hence, the approval of registration was proper (Republic v. IAC, G.R. No. L-70594, Oct. 10, 1986)

2.

Possession of Other persons in the land applied for impugns the exclusive quality of the applicant’s possession.

3.

Mere failure of Fiscal representing the State to cross-examine the applicant on the claimed possession.

4.

Tax declaration of land sought to be registered which is not in the name of applicant but in the name of the deceased parents of an oppositor. Reason: Possession of applicant is not completely adverse or open, nor is it truly in the concept of an owner.


456

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS 5.

A: No. Their bare assertions of possession and occupation by their predecessors-in-interest are hardly "the well-nigh incontrovertible" evidence required in cases of this nature. Proof of specific acts of ownership must be presented to substantiate their claim. They cannot just offer general statements which are mere conclusions of law than factual evidence of possession.

Holding of property by mere Tolerance of the owner. Reason: Holder is not in the concept of owner and possessory acts no matter how long do not start the running of the period of prescription.

5.

Where applicants Tacked their possession to that of their predecessor-in-interest but they did not present him as witness or when no proofs of what acts of ownership and cultivation were performed by the predecessor.

The law speaks of possession and occupation. Possession is broader than occupation because it includes constructive possession. When, therefore, the law adds the word occupation, it seeks to delimit the all encompassing effect of constructive possession. Taken together with the words open, continuous, exclusive and notorious, the word occupation serves to highlight the fact that for an applicant to qualify, his possession must not be a mere fiction.

Q: Exequiel Ampil, as representative of heirs of the late Albina Ampil, filed a complaint for ejectment against Perfecto Manahan, et al. Allegedly, Albina was the owner of 2 adjoining residential lots located in Bulacan as evidenced by tax declarations. They asserted that Albina allowed Perfecto and his family to occupy a portion of said properties on the condition that they would vacate the same should the need to use it arise. Despite requests however, Perfecto and his family refuse to vacate the property. Respondents aver that they had been in peaceful and continuous possession of the property in the concept of an owner sine time immemorial and that Albina was never the owner of the property. Who between the petitioners and the respondents have the better right to the physical possession of the disputed property?

Actual possession of a land consists in the manifestation of acts of dominion over it of such a nature as a party would naturally exercise over his own property (Republic v. Alconaba, G.R. No. 155012, Apr. 14, 2004). Note: “Well-nigh incontrovertible evidence” refers to the degree of proof of registrable rights required by law in registration proceedings. Q: Are tax declarations presented by them sufficient proof of possession and occupation for the requisite number of years? A: No. The records reveal that the subject property was declared for taxation purposes by the respondents only for the year 1994. While belated declaration of a property for taxation purposes does not necessarily negate the fact of possession, tax declarations or realty tax payments of property are, nevertheless, good indicia of possession in the concept of an owner, for no one in his right mind would be paying taxes for a property that is not in his actual or, at least, constructive possession. (Republic v. Alconaba, G.R. No. 155012, Apr. 14, 2004)

A: The petitioners have the better right to the property in question. The bare allegation of respondents that they had been in peaceful and continuous possession of the lot in question because their predecessor-in-interest had been in possession thereof in the concept of an owner from time immemorial, cannot prevail over the tax declarations and other documentary evidence presented by petitioners. In the absence of any supporting evidence, that of the petitioners deserves more probative value. A perusal of the records shows that respondents’ occupation of the lot in question was by mere tolerance. From the minutes of the meeting in the Barangay Lupon, Perfecto admitted that Albina permitted them to use the lots on the condition that they would vacate the same should Albina need it (Heirs of Albina G. Ampil, namely Precious A. Zavalla, Eduardo Ampil, et al. vs. Teresa Manahan and Mario Manahan G.R. No. 175990. October 11, 2012).

Q: What are the proofs of private ownership of land? A: STOP 1. Spanish title, impending cases. Note: However, Spanish titles are now inadmissible and ineffective as proof of ownership in land registration proceedings filed after Aug. 16, 1976. It is mere indicia of a claim of ownership that the holder has a claim of title over the property.

Q: Mauricio and Carmencita testified to establish their claim over the subject lots. When the application was granted, the OSG appealed, arguing that weight should not be given to the self-serving testimonies of the two; that their tax declaration is not sufficient proof that they and their parents have been in possession of the property for at least thirty years, said tax declaration being only for the year 1994 and the property tax receipts presented by them were all of recent dates. Are the said pieces of evidence sufficient to establish actual possession of land for the period required by law thus warranting the grant of the application?

2.

Tax declaration and tax payments. Note: While tax declarations are not conclusive proof of ownership, they constitute good indicia of possession in the concept of owner and a claim of title over the subject property for no one in his right mind would be paying taxes for a property that is not in his actual or constructive possession.(Charles L. Ong v. Republic of the Philippines, G.R. No. 175746, March 12, 2008 and Republic of the Philippines v. Teodoro P. Rizalvo, Jr. G.R. No. 172011, March 7, 2011)

457


CIVIL LAW not supply the absence of evidence of title required of the applicant.

Even if belatedly declared for taxation purposes, it does not negate possession especially if there is no other claimant of the land.

2.

Decision in an estate proceeding of a predecessor-ininterest of an applicant which involves a property over which the decedent has no transmissible rights, and in other cases where issue of ownership was not definitely passed upon.

3.

Survey plan of an inalienable land.

Mere failure of the owner of the land to pay the realty tax does not warrant a conclusion that there was abandonment of his right to the property.

3.

Other kinds of proof. E.g. Testimonial evidence (i.e. accretion is on a land adjacent to a river).

Note: Such plan does not convert such land into alienable land, much less private property.

Note: Any evidence that accretion was formed through human intervention negates the claim.

4.

Q: After due hearing for registration, what will the court do?

Presidential issuances and legislative acts.

A: If the court, after considering the evidence and report of the LRA, finds that the applicant or the oppositor has sufficient title proper for registration, it shall render judgment confirming the title of the applicant, or the oppositor, to the land or portions thereof, as the case may be (Sec. 29, P.D. 1529).

Note: It is constitutive of a “fee simple” title or absolute title in favor of the grantee.

Q: Agustin executed an Affidavit of Transfer of Real Property where Ducat is to perform all the necessary procedures for the registration and acquisition of title over several parcels of land possessed and occupied by Agustin. Before Ducat was able to accomplish his task, Agustin died and Bernardo administered the properties. Ducat then filed an Application for Free Patent over the land, which was granted. The parcels of land were registered in the names of Ducat and Kiong. The heirs of Bernardo sought the reconveyance of the land with damages but did not question the authenticity of the agreement. Who is the rightful owner of the property?

JUDGMENT AND DECREE OF REGISTRATION Q: What must a judgment in land registration proceedings contain? A: When judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff, the court shall order the entry of a new certificate of title and the cancellation of the original certificate and owner’s duplicate of the former registered owner. Q: What is decree of registration?

A: The spouses Ducat and Kiong. The Affidavit of Transfer of Real Property proved Ducat’s ownership of the property. It stated that Ducat bought the subject property from Cecilio and Bernardo. The heirs did not question the authenticity and due execution of said document. It constitutes an admission against interest made by Bernardo, petitioners' predecessor-in-interest.

A: It is a document prepared in the prescribed form by the LRA Administrator, signed by him in the name of the court, embodying the final disposition of the land by the court and such other data found in the record, including the name and other personal circumstances of the applicant, the technical description of the property, liens and encumbrances affecting it, and such other matters as determined by the court in its judgment.

Bernardo's admission against his own interest is binding on his heirs. The heirs' predecessor-in-interest recognized Ducat and Kiong as the legal owner of the lot in dispute.

Q: In a registration case, the court rendered a decision granting Reyes’ application, hence the Director of Lands appealed. Reyes moved for the issuance of a decree of registration pending appeal. May his motion be granted?

Thus, there is no proof that the titling of the subject property was fraudulently obtained by Ducat and Kiong in their names (Heirs of Bernardo Ulep v. Sps. Cristobal Ducat and Flora Kiong, G.R. No. 159284, Jan. 27, 2009).

A: No. Innocent purchasers may be misled into purchasing real properties upon reliance on a judgment which may be reversed on appeal. A Torrens title issued on the basis of a judgment that is not final is a nullity as it violates the explicit provisions of the LRA, which requires that a decree shall be issued only after the decision adjudicating the title becomes final and executor (Dir. of Lands v. Reyes, G.R. No. L-27594, Nov. 28, 1975).

Q: What proofs are insufficient to establish private ownership or right over land? A: 1.

Compromise agreement among parties to a land registration case where they have rights and interest over the land and allocated portions thereof to each of them.

Q: After final adjudication in a land registration proceeding, Pepito and his family took possession of the land subject of the registration proceedings. Don Ramon

Note: Assent of Director of Lands and Director of Forest Management to compromise agreement did not and could


458

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS moved for their summary ouster from the land. Rule on his motion.

In 1977, C filed an action to annul the deeds of sale to F, X and Y and their titles, on the ground that he (C) had been in actual physical possession of the land, and that the sale to F and the subsequent sales should be set aside on the ground of fraud. Upon motion of defendants, the trial court dismissed the complaint, upholding their defenses of their being innocent purchasers for value, prescription and laches. Plaintiff appealed.

A: It should be denied. Persons who are not parties to registration proceedings who took possession of the land after final adjudication of the same cannot be summarily ousted by a mere motion. The remedy is to resort to the courts of justice and institute a separate action for unlawful entry or detainer or for reinvidicatory action, as the case may be. Regardless of any title or lack of title of said person, he cannot be ousted without giving him a day in court in a proper independent proceeding.

Is the said appeal meritorious? Explain your answer (1990 Bar Question)

Q: What does a decree of registration cover?

A: The appeal is not meritorious. The trial court ruled correctly in granting defendant's motion to dismiss for the following reasons: 1. While there is the possibility that F, a former lessee of the land was aware of the fact that C was the bona fide occupant thereof and for this reason his transfer certificate of title may be vulnerable, the transfer of the same land and the issuance of new TCTs to X and Y who are innocent purchasers for value render the latter's titles indefeasible. A person dealing with registered land may safely rely on the correctness of the certificate of title and the law will not in any way oblige him to go behind the certificate to determine the condition of the property in search for any hidden defect or inchoate right which may later invalidate or diminish the right to the land. This is the mirror principle of the Torrens System of land registration.

A: Only claimed property or a portion thereof can be adjudicated. A land registration court has no jurisdiction to adjudge a land to a person who has never asserted any right of ownership thereof. Q: May the court render a partial judgment in land registration proceedings? A: Yes. Where only a portion of the land, subject of registration is contested, the court may render partial judgment provided that a subdivision plan showing the contested land and uncontested portions approved by the Director of Lands is previously submitted to the court. Q: What is the effect of a decree of registration? A: The decree of registration binds the land, quiets title, subject only to such exceptions or liens as may be provided by law.

2.

It is conclusive upon all persons including the national government and all branches thereof. Such conclusiveness does not cease to exist when the title is transferred to a successor.

The action to annul the sale was instituted in 1977 or more than (10) years from the date of execution thereof in 1957, hence, it has long prescribed.

Under Sec. 45, Act 496, “the entry of a certificate of title shall be regarded as an agreement running with the land, and binding upon the applicant and all his successors in title that the land shall be and always remain registered land. A title under Act 496 is indefeasible and to preserve that character, the title is cleansed anew with every transfer for value (De Jesus v. City of Manila, G.R. No. L-26816, Feb. 28, 1967; Laperal v. City of Manila, G.R. No. L-16991, Mar. 31, 1964; Penullar v. PNB, G.R. No. L-32762 Jan. 27, 1983).

Note: Title once registered cannot be impugned, altered, changed, modified, enlarged or diminished, except in a direct proceeding permitted by law.

Q: Does the principle of res judicata apply to land registration proceedings? A: The principle of res judicata applies to all cases and proceedings, including land registration and cadastral proceedings.

Q: Suppose the government agency concerned joined C in filing the said action against the defendants, would that change the result of the litigation? Explain. (1990 Bar Question)

Q: In 1950’s, the Government acquired a big landed estate in Central Luzon from the registered owner for subdivision into small farms and redistribution of bonafide occupants. F was a former lessee of a parcel of land, five hectares in area. After completion of the resurvey and subdivision, F applied to buy the said land in accordance with the guidelines of the implementing agency. Upon full payment of the price in 1957, the corresponding deed of absolute sale was executed in his favor and was registered, and in 1961, a new title was issued in his name. In 1963, F sold the said land to X; and in 1965 X sold it to Y, new titles were successively issued in the names of the said purchasers.

A: Even if the government joins C, this will not alter the outcome of the case so much because of estoppel as an express provision in Sec. 45, Act 496 and Sec. 31, PD 1529 that a decree of registration and the certificate of title issued in pursuance thereof “shall be conclusive upon and against all persons, including the national government and all branches thereof, whether mentioned by name in the application or not.”

459


CIVIL LAW Q: May the court reopen the judgment or decree of registration?

As the purchaser of the properties in the extra-judicial foreclosure sale, the PNCB is entitled to a writ of possession therefore. The basis of this right to possession is the purchaser’s ownership of the property. Mere filing of an ex parte motion for the issuance of the writ of possession would suffice, and no bond is required. (Sulit v. CA, G.R. No. 119247, Feb. 17, 1997; Agcaoili, Registration Decree and Related Laws, p. 508-509)

A: No.The court has no jurisdiction or authority to reopen the judgment or decree of registration, nor impair the title or other interest of a purchaser holding a certificate for value and in good faith, or his heirs and assigns, without his or their written consent. Q: What are the effects of the entry of the decree of registration in the National Land Titles and Deeds Registration Authority (NALDTRA)? A: 1.

2.

3.

Q: Against whom may a writ of possession be issued? A: In a registration case, a writ of possession may be issued against: 1. The person who has been defeated in a registration case; and 2. Any person adversely occupying the land or any portion thereof during the land registration proceedings up to the issuance of the final decree.

This serves as the reckoning date to determine the 1year period from which one can impugn the validity of the registration. 1 year after the date of entry, it becomes incontrovertible, and amendments will not be allowed except clerical errors. It is deemed conclusive as to the whole world. Puts an end to litigation.

Q: Yano filed an application for registration which was granted. Consequently, a writ of possession was issued. Vencelao, who occupies the land, contends that he was not the defeated oppositor in the case, hence a writ of possession may not be issued against him. May a writ of possession be issued against Vencelao?

WRIT OF POSSESSION Q: In what instances may a writ of possession issue? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

A: Yes. In a registration case, the judgment confirming the title of the applicant and ordering the registration in his name necessarily carried with it the delivery of possession which is an inherent element of the right of ownership.

In a land registration proceeding, which is a proceeding in rem; In an extrajudicial foreclosure of a realty mortgage; In a judicial foreclosure of mortgage; and In execution sales

A writ of possession may be issued not only against the person who has been defeated in a registration case but also against anyone unlawfully and adversely occupying the land or any portion thereof during the land registration proceedings up to the issuance of the final decree. (Vencelao v. Yano, G.R. No. 25660, Feb. 20, 1993)

Q: How may possession of property be obtained? A: Possession of the property may be obtained by filing an ex parte motion with the RTC court of the province or place where the property is situated. Upon filing of the motion and the required bond, it becomes a ministerial duty of the court to order the issuance of a writ of possession in favor of the purchaser. After the expiration of the one-year period without redemption being effected by the property owner, the right of the purchaser to the possession of the foreclosed property becomes absolute (PNB v. Sanao Marketing Corporation, G.R. No. 153951, July 29, 2005).

Q: If the court granted the registration, must the applicant move for the issuance of a writ of possession in case he is deprived of possession over the land subject of the registration proceedings? A: Yes, if it is against: 1. the person who has been defeated in a registration case; and 2. any person adversely occupying the land or any portion thereof during the land registration proceedings up to the issuance of the final decree.

Q: PNCB purchased a parcel of land in a foreclosure sale and applied for a writ of possession after the lapse of more than 1 year. On appeal, however, it was held that the writ of possession cannot be issued because the foreclosure sale, upon which it is based, was infirm. Is said ruling correct?

XPN.: if it is against persons who took possession of the land after final adjudication of the same in a registration proceeding. In which case, the remedy is file a separate action for:

A: No. Any question regarding the regularity and validity of the sale, as well as the consequent cancellation of the writ, is to be determined in a subsequent proceeding as outlined in Sec. 8, Act 3135, as amended by Act 4118. Such question is not to be raised as a justification for opposing the issuance of the writ of possession, since, under the Act, the proceeding is ex parte.


1. 2. 3.

460

unlawful entry; unlawful detainer; or reivindicatory action, as the case may be, and only after a favorable judgment can the prevailing

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS party secure a writ of possession (Bernas v. Nuevo, G.R. No. L-58438, Jan. 31, 1984)

circumstances, it was as if no title was ever issued in this case to the petitioner and therefore this is hardly the occasion to talk of collateral attack against a title.” (Heirs of Leoncio C. Oliveros, represented by Aurora B. Oliveros, et al. vs San Miguel Corporation, et al., G.R. No. 173531. February 1, 2012).

Q: Does petition for the issuance of a writ of possession prescribe? A: GR: No.

Q: Differentiate direct from collateral attack XPN: If a party has once made use of the benefit of a writ of possession, he cannot again ask for it, if afterwards he loses possession of the property obtained by virtue of the original writ.

A: DIRECT ATTACK The issues are raised in a direct proceeding in an action instituted for that purpose.

Q: Does a writ of possession issue in a reconstitution case? A: No. reconstitution does not confirm or adjudicate ownership over the property covered by the reconstituted title as in original land registration proceedings where, in the latter, a writ of possession may be issued to place the applicant-owner in possession.

COLLATERAL ATTACK It is made when, in another action to obtain a different relief, an attack on the judgment is made as an incident in said action. e.g. Torrens title is questioned in the ordinary civil action for recovery of possession

Q: Valentin’s homestead application was approved. After 19 years of possession, his occupation was interrupted when Arcidio forcibly entered the land. He filed an action for recovery of possession which was granted.

DECREE OF CONFIRMATION AND REGISTRATION Q: What is decree of confirmation and registration? A: It is issued by LRA after finality of judgment, and contains technical description of land. It is subject only to an appeal.

In his appeal, may Arcidio seek the nullity of Valentin’s title, invoking as defense the ruling of the Director of Lands in an administrative case that Valentin has never resided in said land and declared that the homestead patent was improperly issued to him?

It is conclusive evidence of the ownership of the land referred to therein and becomes indefeasible and incontrovertible after one year from the issuance of the decree.

A: No, a collateral attack is not allowed. It was erroneous for Arcidio to question the Torrens OCT issued to Valentin in an ordinary civil action for recovery of possession filed by the registered owner – Valentin – of the said lot, by invoking as affirmative defense in his answer the Order of the Bureau of Lands issued pursuant to the investigatory power of the Director of Lands under Section 91 of Public Land Law (CA No. 141 as amended). Such a defense partakes of the nature of a collateral attack against a certificate of title brought under the operation of the Torrens system of registration pursuant to Sec. 122, Land Registration Act, now Sec. 103, P.D. 1259 (Ybanez v. IAC, G.R. No. 68291, Mar. 6, 1991).

Q: Differentiate decree of confirmation and registration from decree of registration. A: Decree of confirmation and registration of title is issued pursuant to the Public Land Act, where the presumption is that the land applied for pertains to the State, and that the occupants and possessors only claim an interest in the same by virtue of their imperfect title or continuous, open, and notorious possession Decree of registration is issued pursuant to the Property Registration Decree, where there already exists a title which is confirmed by the court (Limcoma Multi-Purpose Cooperative v. Republic, G.R. No. 167652, July 10, 2007).

Q: In a case for recovery of possession based on ownership, is a third-party complaint to nullify the title of the third-party defendant considered a direct attack on the title?

Q: What is the doctrine of non-collateral attack of a decree or title?

A: If the object of the third-party complaint is to nullify the title of the third-party defendant, the third-party complaint constitutes a direct-attack on the title because the same is in the nature of an original complaint for cancellation of title.

A: A decree of registration and registered title cannot be impugned, enlarged, altered, modified, or diminished either in collateral or direct proceeding, after the lapse of one year from the date of its entry. Q: Under what instance, will such doctrine not apply?

Q: If an attack is made thru a counterclaim, should it be disregarded for being a collateral attack?

A: Prohibition against collateral attack does not apply to spurious or non-existent titles, since such titles do not enjoy indefeasibility. “Well-settled is the rule that the indefeasibility of a title does not attach to titles secured by fraud and misrepresentation. In view of these

A: No. A counterclaim is also considered an original complaint, and as such, the attack on the title is direct and not collateral.

461


CIVIL LAW REMEDIES IN REGISTRATION PROCEEDINGS Q: What are the grounds and their corresponding period for filing an action for reconveyance?

Q: What are the remedies of an aggrieved party in registration proceedings?

A: A: RADAR-CCAN-QP 1. Relief from judgment 2. Appeal 3. Action for Damages 4. Action for Compensation from the Assurance Fund

GROUNDS

PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD 4 years from the discovery of the fraud (deemed to have taken place from the issuance of the original certificate of title)

Fraud

Note: The State has an imprescriptible right to cause the reversion of a piece of property belonging to the public domain if title has been acquired through fraudulent means.

Note: If the property has already passed into the hands of an innocent purchaser for value, the remedy is to file action for damages from the person who allegedly registered the property from fraud, or if he had become insolvent or if the action is barred by prescription, to file an action for recovery against the Assurance fund within a period of 6 years from the time the right to bring such action accrues.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Implied or Constructive Trust

Action for Reconveyance Cancellation suits Criminal Action Annulment of judgment New trial Quieting of title Petition for Review (of a Decree)

Express Trust Void Contract

Q: In 1987, an Emancipation Patent OCT was issued in Remy’s favor. In 1998, Madarieta filed a Complaint for Annulment and Cancellation of the OCT against Remy before the DARAB, alleging that the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) mistakenly included her husband’s lot as part of Luspo’s property where Remy’s house was constructed and that it was only on 1997 that she discovered such mistake. Is Madarieta’s action barred by prescription?

RECONVEYANCE Q: What is action for reconveyance? A: It is an action seeking to transfer or reconvey the land from the registered owner to the rightful owner. It is a legal and equitable remedy granted to the rightful owner of land which has been wrongfully or erroneously registered in the name of another for the purposes of compelling the latter to transfer or reconvey the land to him (Spouses Exequiel and Eusebia Lopez v. Spouses Eduardo and Marcelina Lopez, G.R. No. 161925, Nov. 25, 2009).

A: Yes. Considering that there appears to be a mistake in the issuance of the subject emancipation patent, the registration of the title to the subject property in Remy’s name is likewise erroneous, and consequently, Remy holds the property as a mere trustee. An action for reconveyance based on an implied or constructive trust prescribes in 10 years from the issuance of the Torrens title over the property. The title over the subject land was registered in Remy’s name in 1987 while Madarieta filed the complaint to recover the subject lot only in 1998. More than 11 years had lapsed before Madarieta instituted the action for annulment of the patent OCT, which in essence is an action for reconveyance – the remedy of the rightful owner of the erroneously registered property. It is thus barred by prescription (Rementizo v. Heirs of Vda. De Madarieta, G.R. No. 170318, Jan. 15, 2009).

Q: What is the purpose of an action for reconveyance? A: An action for reconveyance does not aim or purport to re-open the registration proceedings and set aside the decree of registration but only to show that the person who secured the registration of the questioned property is not the real owner thereof. The action, while respecting the decree as incontrovertible, seeks to transfer or reconvey the land from the registered owner to the rightful owner. This action may be filed even after the lapse of 1 year from entry of the decree of registration as long as the property has not been transferred or conveyed to an innocent purchaser for value.

Note: In an action for reconveyance, the decree of registration is respected as incontrovertible but what is sought instead is the transfer of the property wrongfully or erroneously registered in another’s name to its rightful owner or to one with a better right. The person in whose name the land is registered holds it as a mere trustee.

Q: What are the basic allegations to support an action for reconveyance? A: All that must be alleged in the complaint are: (1) that the plaintiff was the owner of the land; and (2) that the defendant had illegally dispossessed him of the same. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

10 years from the date of the issuance of the OCT or TCT. It does not apply where the person enforcing the trust is in actual possession of the property because he is in effect seeking to quiet title to the same which is imprescriptible. Not barred by prescription Imprescriptible

462

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS Q: Juan, et. al. seek reconveyance of the property, imputing fraud to Ines, without adducing evidence, saying that she used a forged affidavit to obtain title over the property despite full knowledge that she owned only 1/5 portion thereof. Note that when Ines applied for a free patent over the property, Juan, et. al. filed their claims, but when the Bureau of Lands denied their claims, they did not contest such denial any further. Should the reconveyance be granted?

Given the circumstances, can the action of the Solicitor General and the case for reconveyance filed by Percival possibly prosper? (1997 Bar Question) A: If fraud be discovered in the application which led to the issuance of the patent and Certificate of Title, this Title becomes ipso facto null and void. Thus, in a case where a person who obtained a free patent, knowingly made a false statement of material and essential facts in his application for the same, by stating therein that the lot in question was part of the public domain not occupied or claimed by any other person, his title becomes ipso facto canceled and consequently rendered null and void.

A: No. It appears that they were notified of Ines’ application for free patent and were duly afforded the opportunity to object to the registration and to substantiate their claims, which they failed to do and they never contested the order of the Bureau of Lands disregarding their claims. This could only mean that they either agreed with the order or decided to abandon their claims.

It is to the public interest that one who succeeds In fraudulently acquiring title to public land should not be allowed to benefit therefrom and the State, through the Solicitor General, may file the corresponding action for annulment of the patent and the reversion of the land involved to the public domain (Dinero v. Director of Lands; Kayaban v. Republic L-33307, Aug. 20, 1973; Director of Lands vs. Animas, L-37682, Mar. 29, 1974).

Also, they failed to prove fraud in the execution of the affidavit used by Ines to obtain title to the disputed property. No evidence was adduced by them to substantiate their allegation that their signatures therein were forged. It is not for private respondents to deny forgery. The burden of proof that the affidavit of waiver is indeed spurious rests on petitioners. Yet, even as they insist on forgery, they never really took serious efforts in establishing such allegation by preponderant evidence. Mere allegations of fraud are not enough. Intentional acts to deceive and deprive another of his right or in some manner injure him, must be specifically alleged and proved (Brusas v. CA, G. R. No. 126875, Aug. 26, 1999).

With respect to Percival's action for reconveyance, it would have prescribed, having been filed more than ten (10) years after registration and issuance of an OCT in the name of Melvin, were it not for the inherent infirmity of the latter's title. Hence, under the facts, the statute of limitations will not apply to Percival because Melvin knew that a part of the land covered by his title actually belonged to Percival. So, instead of nullifying in toto the title of Melvin, the court, in the exercise of equity and jurisdiction, may grant prayer for the reconveyance of Lot B to Percival who has actually possessed the land under a claim of ownership since 1947. After all, if Melvin's title is declared void ab initio and the land is reverted to the public domain, Percival would just the same be entitled to preference right to acquire the land from the government. Besides, well settled is the rule that once public land has been in open, continuous, exclusive and notorious possession under a bona fide claim of acquisition of ownership for the period prescribed by Sec. 48, Public Land Act, the same ipso jure ceases to be public and in contemplation of law acquired the character of private land. Thus, reconveyance of the land from Melvin to Percival would be the better procedure. (Vital v. Anore, G.R. No. L-4136, Feb. 29, 1952; Pena, Land Titles and Deeds, p. 427, 1982 ed)

Q: On September 10, 1965, Melvin applied for a free patent covering two lots - Lot A and Lot B - situated in Santiago, Isabela. Upon certification by the Public Land Inspector that Melvin had been in actual, continuous, open, notorious, exclusive and adverse possession of the lots since 1925, the Director of Land approved Melvin's application on 04 June 1967. On December 26, 1967, Original Certificate of Title (OCT) No. P-2277 was issued in the name of Melvln. On September 7, 1971, Percival filed a protest alleging that Lot B which he had been occupying and cultivating since 1947 was included in the Free Patent issued in the name of Melvin. The Director of Lands ordered the investigation of Percival's protest. The Special Investigator who conducted the investigation found that Percival had been in actual cultivation of Lot B since 1947.

Q: Rommel was issued a certificate of title over a parcel of land in Quezon City. One year later, Rachelle, the legitimate owner of the land, discovered the fraudulent registration obtained by Rommel. She filed a complaint against Rommel for reconveyance and caused the annotation of a notice of lis pendens on the certificate of title issued to Rommel. Rommel now invokes the indefeasibility of his title considering that one year has already elapsed from its issuance. He also seeks the cancellation of the notice of lis pendens.

On November 28, 1986, the Solicitor General filed in behalf of the Republic of the Philippines a complaint for cancellation of the free patent and the OCT issued in the name of Melvin and the reversion of the land to public domain on the ground of fraud and misrepresentation in obtaining the free patent. On the same date, Percival sued Martin for the reconveyance of Lot B. Melvin filed his answers interposing the sole defense in both cases that the Certificate of Title issued in his name became incontrovertible and indefeasible upon the lapse of one year from the issuance of the free patent.

Will Rachelle’s suit for reconveyance prosper? Explain. (1995 Bar Question)

463


CIVIL LAW A: Yes, Rachelle’s suit will prosper because all the elements of an action for reconveyance are present, namely: 1. Rachelle is claiming dominical rights over the property; 2. Rommel procured his title to the land by fraud; 3. The action was brought within the statutory period of four years from discovery of the fraud and not later than 10 years from the date of registration of Rommel’s title; and 4. Title to the land has not yet passed into the hands of an innocent purchaser for value.

Q: When will an action for damages in land registration cases prescribe? A: An ordinary action for damages prescribes in ten (10) years after the issuance of the Torrens title over the property. CANCELLATION SUIT Q: What is cancellation suit? A: It is an action for cancellation of title brought by a private individual, alleging ownership as well as the defendant’s fraud or mistake, as the case may be, in successfully obtaining title over a disputed land claimed by the plaintiff.

Rommel can invoke the indefeasibility of his title if Rachelle had filed a petition to re-open or review the decree of registration. But Rachelle instead filed an ordinary action in personam for reconveyance. In the latter action, indefeasibility is not a valid defense, because in filing such action, Rachelle is not seeking to nullify or to impugn the indefeasibility of Rommel’s title. She is only asking the court to compel Rommel to reconvey the title to her as the legitimate owner of the land.

Q: When is resort to a cancellation suit proper? A: 1.

Q: May the court cancel the notice of lis pendens even before final judgment is rendered? Explain. (1995 Bar Question)

2. 3.

A: A notice of lis pendens may be cancelled even before final judgment upon proper showing that the notice is for the purpose of molesting or harassing the adverse party or that the notice of lis pendens is not necessary to protect the right of the party who cause it to be registered. (Sec. 77, PD 1529)

Q: What are the rules as regards cancellation of certificates of title belonging to different persons over the same land?

In this case, it is given that Rachelle is the legitimate owner of the land in question. It can be said, therefore, that when she filed her notice of lis pendens her purpose was to protect her interest in the land and not just to molest Rommel. It is necessary to record the lis pendens to protect her interest because if she did not do it, there is a possibility that the land will fall into the hands of an innocent purchaser for value and in that event, the court loses control over the land making any favorable judgment thereon moot and academic. For these reasons, the notice of lis pendens may not be cancelled.

A: Where two certificates are issued to different persons covering the same land, the title earlier in date must prevail. The latter title should be declared null and void and ordered cancelled. Q: What is meant by prior est temporae, prior est in jura? A: It is a principle which means he who is first in time is preferred in right. Q: Pablo occupied a parcel of land since 1800. In 1820, he was issued a certificate of title over said land. In 1830, however, the land was reclassified as alienable and disposable, as it was originally a forest land. In 1850, Pedro was able to obtain a certificate of title over the same land. Upon learning of such, Pablo sought to have Pedro’s title declared null and void. Decide.

DAMAGES Q: When may an action for damages be resorted to in land registration cases? A: After one year from date of the decree and if reconveyance is not possible because the property has passed to an innocent purchaser for value and in good faith, the aggrieved party aggrieved party may bring an ordinary action for damages only against the applicant or persons responsible for the fraud or were instrumental in depriving him of the property.


When two certificates of title are issued to different persons covering the same parcel of land in whole or in part When certificate of title is issued covering a nonregistrable property Other causes such as when the certificate of title is issued pursuant to a judgment that is not final or when it is issued to a person who did not claim and applied for the registration of the land covered.

A: As a general rule, the earlier in date must prevail. However, this principle cannot apply if it is established that the earlier title was procured through fraud or is otherwise jurisdictionally flawed (Republic v. CA and Guido, et. al., G.R. No. 84966, Nov. 21, 1991). The rule is valid only absent any anomaly or irregularity tainting the process of registration. Where the inclusion of land in the certificate of title of prior date is a mistake, the mistake may be rectified by holding the latter of the two certificates to be conclusive (Legarda v. Saleeby, G.R. No. 8936, Oct. 2, 1915). Since the

464

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS earlier title was issued when the disputed land was still a non-registrable property, the same may be challenged through a cancellation suit and may be declared as null and void. Pedro’s title must prevail.

claimant, who has no rights to said immovable, respect and not disturb the one so entitled, but also for the benefit of both, so that whoever has the right will see every cloud of doubt over the property dissipated, and he can thereafter fearlessly introduce any desired improvements, as well as use, and even abuse the property (Phil-Ville Development and Housing Corporation v. Maximo Bonifacio, et al., G.R. No. 167391, June 8, 2011).

Q: What are the grounds for amendment or correction of certificate of title? A: When: 1. registered interests of any description, whether vested, contingent or inchoate have terminated and ceased; 2. new interests have arisen or been created which do not appear upon the certificate; 3. any error, omission or mistake was made in entering a certificate or any memorandum thereon or on any duplicate certificate; 4. the name of any person on the certificate has been changed; 5. the registered owner has been married, or registered as married, the marriage has terminated and no right or interest of heirs or creditors will thereby be affected; 6. a corporation, which owned registered land and has been dissolved, has not conveyed the same within 3 years after its dissolution; or 7. there is a reasonable ground for the amendment or alteration of title.

Q: What is the basis of an action for quieting of title? A: An action for quieting of title is essentially a common law remedy grounded on equity. The competent court is tasked to determine the respective rights of the complainant and other claimants, not only to place things in their proper place, to make the one who has no rights to said immovable respect and not disturb the other, but also for the benefit of both, so that he who has the right would see every cloud of doubt over the property dissipated, and he could afterwards without fear introduce the improvements he may desire, to use, and even to abuse the property as he deems best (Dionisio Mananquil, et al. v. Roberto Moico; G.R. No. 180076. November 20, 2012). Q: Who may file an action to quiet title? A: 1. 2.

Q: What are the requisites for the amendment or correction of title?

3.

A: FREON-U 1. It must be Filed in the original case; 2. By the Registered owner or a person in interest; 3. On grounds Enumerated; 4. All parties must be Notified; 5. There is Unanimity among them; and 6. Original decree must not be Opened.

Registered owner; A person who has an equitable right or interest in the property; or The State.

Q: What are the 2 requisites in order that an action for quieting of title may prosper? A: 1.

2. QUIETING OF TITLE Q: What is action for quieting of title? A: It is an action that is brought to remove clouds on the title to real property or any interest therein, by reason of any instrument, record, claim, encumbrance, or proceeding which is apparently valid or effective but is in truth and in fact invalid, ineffective, voidable or unenforceable, and may be prejudicial to said title.

The plaintiff or complainant has a legal or equitable title or interest in the real property subject of the action; The deed, claim, encumbrance or proceeding claimed to be casting cloud on his title must be shown to be in fact invalid or inoperative despite prima facie appearance of validity or legal efficacy (Phil-Ville Development and Housing Corporation v. Maximo Bonifacio, et al., G.R. No. 167391, June 8, 2011) (Joaquin G. Chung, Jr. et al., v. Jack Daniel Mondragon et al., GR No. 179754, November 21, 2012).

Q: May a person who obtains registration through fraud be held criminally liable?

Quieting of title is a common law remedy for the removal of any cloud upon, doubt, or uncertainty affecting title to real property. Whenever there is a cloud on title to real property or any interest in real property by reason of any instrument, record, claim, encumbrance, or proceeding that is apparently valid or effective, but is, in truth and in fact, invalid, ineffective, voidable, or unenforceable, and may be prejudicial to said title, an action may be brought to remove such cloud or to quiet the title. In such action, the competent court is tasked to determine the respective rights of the complainant and the other claimants, not only to place things in their proper places, and make the

A: Yes. The State may criminally prosecute for perjury the party who obtains registration through fraud, such as by stating false assertions in the application for registration, sworn answer required of applicants in cadastral proceedings, or application for public land and patent.

465


CIVIL LAW REMEDY IN CASE OF LOSS OR DESRUCTION OF CERTIFICATE OF TITLE

(b) that the documents presented by petitioner are sufficient and proper to warrant reconstitution of the lost or destroyed certificate of title; (c) that the petitioner is the registered owner of the property or had an interest therein; (d) that the certificate of title was in force at the time it was lost or destroyed; and (e) that the description, area and boundaries of the property are substantially the same as those contained in the lost or destroyed certificate of title (Republic of the Philippines v. Apolinaria Catarroja, et al., G.R. No. 171774, Feb. 12, 2010).

Q: What is the remedy in case a person lost his certificate of title? A: It depends. 1. If what is lost is the OCT or TCT – Reconstitution of certificate of title; 2. If, however, it is the duplicate of the OCT or TCT – Replacement of lost duplicate certificate of title. Q: What is reconstitution of certificate of title?

Q: What are the jurisdictional requirements in petitions for reconstitution of title?

A: The restoration of the instrument which is supposed to have been lost or destroyed in its original form and condition, under the custody of Register of Deeds.

A: Notice thereof shall be: 1. Published twice in successive issues of the Official Gazette; 2. Posted on the main entrance of the provincial building and of the municipal building of the municipality or city, where the land is situated; and 3. Sent by registered mail to every person named in said notice

Q: What is the purpose of reconstitution of title? A: To have the same reproduced, after proper proceedings, in the same form they were when the loss or destruction occurred. The reconstitution or reconstruction of a certificate of title literally denoted restoration of the instrument which is supposed to have been lost or destroyed in its original form and condition

Note: The above requirements are mandatory and jurisdictional.

Q: What are the kinds of reconstitution of title? Q: Does reconstitution determine ownership of land covered by a lost or destroyed certificate of title?

A: 1.

A: No. The fact that the title to the land was lost does not mean that the land ceased to be a registered land before the reconstitution of its title.

Judicial – partakes the nature of a land registration proceeding in rem. The registered owners, assigns, or any person having an interest in the property may file a petition for that purpose with RTC where property is located. RD is not the proper party to file the petition. Administrative – may be availed of only in case of: a. Substantial loss or destruction of the original land titles due to fire, flood, or other force majeure as determined by the Administrator of the Land Registration Authority b. The number of certificates of title lost or damaged should be at least 10% of the total number in the possession of the Office of the Register of Deeds c. In no case shall the number of certificates of title lost or damaged be less than 500 d. Petitioner must have the duplicate copy of the certificate of title (R.A. 6732)

Q: May a writ of possession be issued in a petition for reconstitution?

Note: The law provides for retroactive application thereof to cases 15 years immediately preceding 1989.

A: No, because, reconstitution does not adjudicate ownership over the property. A writ of possession is issued to place the applicant-owner in possession.

Q: From what sources may a certificate of title be reconstituted?

A: A reconstituted title, by itself, does not determine or resolve the ownership of the land covered by the lost or destroyed title. The reconstitution of a title is simply the reissuance of a lost duplicate certificate of title in its original form and condition. It does not determine or resolve the ownership of the land covered by the lost or destroyed title. A reconstituted title, like the original certificate of title, by itself does not vest ownership of the land or estate covered thereby (Alonso, et. al. v. Cebu Country Club Inc., G.R. No. 130876, Dec. 5, 2003).

2.

Q: Where the title to the land was lost, does it mean that the land ceased to be registered land?

A: Judicial reconstitution For OCT (in the following order): 1. Owner’s duplicate of the certificate of title 2. Co-owner’s, mortgagee’s or lessee’s duplicate of said certificate

Q: What must be shown before the issuance of an order for reconstitution? A: (a) that the certificate of title had been lost or destroyed; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

466

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS 3. Certified copy of such certificate, previously issued by the Register of Deeds 4. Authenticated copy of the decree of registration or patent, as the case may be, which was the basis of the certificate of title 5. Deed or mortgage, lease or encumbrance containing description of property covered by the certificate of title and on file with the Registry of Deeds, or an authenticated copy thereof 6. Any other document which, in the judgment of the court, is sufficient and proper basis for reconstitution

Q: If what is lost or destroyed is the DUPLICATE TITLE, is reconstitution the proper remedy? A: No. When the duplicate title of the landowner is lost, the proper petition is not reconstitution of title, but one filed with the court for issuance of new title in lieu of the lost copy. Q: Who are the persons entitled to a Duplicate Certificate of Title? A: 1. 2.

For TCT (in the following order): 1. Owner’s duplicate of the certificate of title 2. Co-owner’s, mortgagee’s or lessee’s duplicate of said certificate 3. Certified copy of such certificate, previously issued by the Register of Deeds 4. Deed of transfer of other document containing description of property covered by the transfer certificate of title and on file with the Registry of Deeds, or an authenticated copy thereof 5. Deed or mortgage, lease or encumbrance containing description of property covered by the certificate of title and on file with the Registry of Deeds, or an authenticated copy thereof 6. Any other document which, in the judgment of the court, is sufficient and proper basis for reconstitution

Registered owner Each co-owner

Q: What are the requirements for the replacement of lost duplicate certificate of title? A: 1.

2. 3.

4.

Administrative reconstitution 1. Owner’s duplicate of the certificate of title 2. Co-owner’s, mortgagee’s or lessee’s duplicate of said certificate

Due notice under oath shall be sent by the owner or by someone in his behalf to the Register of Deeds of the province or city where the land lies as soon as the loss or theft is discovered. Petition for replacement should be filed with the RTC of the province or city where the land lies. Notice to Solicitor General by petitioner is not imposed by law but it is the Register of Deeds who should request for representation by the Solicitor General. A proceeding where the certificate of title was not in fact lost or destroyed is null and void for lack of jurisdiction and the newly issued duplicate is null and void. SURRENDER OF WITHHELD DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE

Q: What are the grounds for surrender of withheld duplicate certificate of title?

Q: Apolinario Catarroja et al., filed a petition for reconstitution of title covering 2 lots in Cavite. Accordingly, the Catarrojas inherited these lands from their parents. Allegedly, the LRA issued a certification confirming that the land registration court issued a Decree covering the lots. A copy of the decree however was no longer available in the records. It was also claimed that the owner’s duplicate copy of the title had been lost while with their parents. If you were the judge, will you grant the petition for reconstitution of title?

A: 1.

2.

3.

A: In Republic v. Intermediate Appellate Court, applied the principle of ejusdem generis in interpreting Section 2(f) of R.A. 26. “Any other document” refers to reliable documents of the kind described in the preceding enumerations. This Court is not convinced that the above documents of the Catarrojas fall in the same class as those enumerated in paragraphs (a) to (e). None of them proves that a certificate of title had in fact been issued in the name of their parents. Accordingly, the documents must come from official sources which recognize the ownership of the owner and his predecessors-in-interest. None of the documents presented in this case fit such description (Republic of the Philippines v. Apolinaria Catarroja, et al., G.R. No. 171774, Feb. 12, 2010).

When it is necessary to issue a new certificate of title pursuant to any involuntary instrument which divests the title of the registered owner against his consent; Where a voluntary instrument cannot be registered by reason of the refusal or failure of the holder to surrender the owner’s duplicate certificate of title; or Where the owner’s duplicate certificate is not presented for amendment or alteration pursuant to a court order.

AMENDMENT OR CORRECTION OF CERTIFICATE OF TITLE Q: What are the grounds for amendment or correction of certificate of title? A: When: 1. registered interests of any description, whether vested, contingent or inchoate have terminated and ceased; 2. new interests have arisen or been created which do not appear upon the certificate;

467


CIVIL LAW 3.

4. 5.

6.

7.

any error, omission or mistake was made in entering a certificate or any memorandum thereon or on any duplicate certificate; the name of any person on the certificate has been changed; the registered owner has been married, or registered as married, the marriage has terminated and no right or interest of heirs or creditors will thereby be affected; a corporation, which owned registered land and has been dissolved, has not conveyed the same within 3 years after its dissolution; or there is a reasonable ground for the amendment or alteration of title.

instrumentalities, and its officials and agents in any litigation, proceeding, investigation or matter requiring the services of a lawyer. It shall represent the government in all registration and related proceedings and institute actions for the reversion to the State of Lands of the public domain and improvements thereon and all lands held in violation of the Constitution. Q: When does reversion apply? A: Generally, reversion applies in all cases where lands of public domain and the improvements thereon and all lands are held in violation of the Constitution. Q: What are the grounds for reversion of lands covered by a patent?

Q: What are the requisites for the amendment or correction of title?

A: 1.

A: FREON-U 1. It must be Filed in the original case; 2. By the Registered owner or a person in interest; 3. On grounds Enumerated; 4. All parties must be Notified; 5. There is Unanimity among them; and 6. Original decree must not be Opened.

2. 3. 4. 5.

REVERSION Q: What is meant by reversion? A: It is an action instituted by the government, through the Solicitor General, for cancellation of certificate of title and the consequential reversion of the land covered thereby to the State.

Q: Luis filed a complaint for annulment of title involving a foreshore land which was granted in Flores’ favor, alleging that his application therefor was granted by the government. Is Luis the real party in interest with authority to file a complaint for annulment of title of foreshore land?

Reversion connotes restoration of public land fraudulently awarded or disposed of to the mass of the public domain and may again be the subject of disposition in the manner prescribed by law to qualified applicants.

A: No. In all actions for the reversion to the Government of lands of the public domain or improvements thereon, the Republic of the Philippines is the real party in interest. The action shall be instituted by the Solicitor General or the officer acting in his stead, in behalf of the Republic of the Philippines. Petitioners must first lodge their complaint with the Bureau of Lands in order that an administrative investigation may be conducted under Sec. 91, Public Land Act (Manese v. Sps. Velasco, G.R. No. 164024, Jan. 29, 2009).

Q: Differentiate an action for reversion from an action for cancellation of title? A: ACTION FOR REVERSION Filed by the government through the Solicitor General

ACTION FOR CANCELLATION Initiated by a private party usually in a case where there are 2 titles issued to different persons for the same lot

Private persons have no right or interest over land considered public at the time the sales application was filed. They have no personality to question the validity of the title (Vicente Cawis v. Hon. Antonio Cerilles, G.R. No. 170207, April 19, 2010).

Q: In the remedy of action for cancellation of title, does the land revert back to the mass of public domain? A: No. In this action, the land does not revert to the mass of the public domain, but is declared as lawfully belonging to the party whose certificate of title is held superior over the other.

Note: Indefeasibility of title, prescription, laches and estoppel do not bar reversion suits.

Q: Who initiates the action for reversion? A: It is instituted by the Solicitor General, who shall represent the government, its agencies, and UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Violation of Sec.s 118, 120, 121 and 122, Public Land Act (e.g. alienation or sale of homestead executed within the 5 year prohibitory period) When land patented and titled is not capable of registration Failure of the grantee to comply with the conditions imposed by law to entitle him to a patent grant When the area is an expanded area When the land is acquired in violation of the Constitution (e.g. land acquired by an alien may be reverted to the State)

468

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS CADASTRAL LAND REGISTRATION Cadastral court possesses no authority to award damages. Q: What is cadastral registration? Note: A parcel of forest land is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Bureau of Forestry and beyond the power and jurisdiction of the cadastral court to register under the Torrens system.

A: It is a proceeding in rem, initiated by the filing of a petition for registration by the government, not by the persons claiming ownership of the land subject thereof, and the latter are, on the pain of losing their claim thereto, in effect compelled to go to court to make known their claim or interest therein, and to substantiate such claim or interest.

SUBSEQUENT REGISTRATION Q: What is subsequent registration? A: It is where incidental matters after original registration may be brought before the land registration court by way of motion or petition filed by the registered owner or a party in interest.

Q: What is the purpose of cadastral registration? A: Here, the government does not seek the registration of land in its name. The objective of the proceeding is the adjudication of title to the lands or lots involved in said proceeding. Furthermore, it is to serve public interest by requiring that the titles to the lands “be settled and adjudicated (Sec 1 of Act. No. 2259)

Q: After registering his land, what conveyances may the registered owner do? A: An owner of registered land may convey, mortgage, lease, charge or otherwise deal with the same in accordance with existing laws. He may use such forms of deeds, mortgages, leases or other voluntary instruments as are sufficient in law.

Q: Explain the process for the filing of Petition for Registration. A: The Director of Lands, represented by the Solicitor General, shall institute original registration proceedings by filing the necessary petition in the Regional Trial Court of the place where the land is situated against the holders, claimants, possessors, or occupants of such lands or any part thereof, stating that public interest requires that the title to such lands be settled and adjudicated and praying that such titles be settled and adjudicated.

Note: G.R. Such deed, mortgage, lease, or other voluntary instrument shall operate only as a contract between the parties and as evidence of authority to the Register of Deeds to make registration. It is the act of registration which shall operate to convey or affect the land insofar as third persons are concerned, and in all cases, the registration shall be made in the office of the Register of Deeds for the province or city where the land lies. The act of registration creates a constructive notice to the whole world of such voluntary or involuntary instrument or court writ or process. (Sec. 52, PD 1529)

Q: What is the procedure in cadastral registration?

XPN: A will purporting to convey or affect registered land shall take effect as a conveyance or bind the land, not merely as a contract or evidence of authority of the RD to make registration (Sec. 51, PD 1529).

A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Cadastral survey Filing of petition Publication of notice of initial hearing Filing of answer Hearing of case Decision Issuance of decree & certificate of title

VOLUNTARY DEALINGS Q: Must voluntary dealings be registered? A: No. Registration is not a requirement for validity of the contract as between the parties. However, the act of registration shall be the operative act to convey or affect the land insofar as third parties are concerned.

Q: What should the petition contain? A: Petition shall contain: a. Description of the lands b. Plan thereof c. Such other data as to facilitate notice to all occupants and persons having claim or interest therein

Q: What are the requirements for registrability of deeds and other voluntary acts of conveyance? A: PIPE 1.

Q: What is the extent of authority of cadastral courts? A: The cadastral court is not limited to merely adjudication of ownership in favor of one or more claimants. If there are no successful claimants, the property is declared public land.

2.

Cadastral courts do not have the power to determine and adjudicate title to a lot already covered by homestead patent to a person other than a patentee.

4.

3.

469

Presentation of owner’s duplicate certificate whenever any duly executed voluntary instrument is filed for registration; Inclusion of one extra copy of any document of transfer or alienation of real property, to be furnished to the city or provincial assessor; Payment of prescribed registration fees and requisite documentary stamps; and Evidence of full payment of real estate tax as may be due.


CIVIL LAW Q: What is the effect of registration of such voluntary dealings?

reference by number to the certificate of title to which it relates and to the volume and page in the registration book in which it is registered (Sec. 65, P.D. 1529).

A: It: 1. 2.

creates a lien that attaches to the property in favor of the mortgagee; and constitutes constructive notice of his interest in the property to the whole world.

2. If the instrument creating or declaring a trust or other equitable interest contains an express power to sell, mortgage or deal with the land in any manner, such power shall be stated in the certificate of title by the words "with power to sell", or "power to mortgage", or by apt words of description in case of other powers (Sec. 66, P.D. 1529).

Q: What is the rule on carry over of encumbrances? A: If, at the time of any transfer, subsisting encumbrances or annotations appear in the registration book, they shall be carried over and stated in the new certificate or certificates; except so far as they may be simultaneously released or discharged (Sec. 59, P.D. 1529).

3. If a new trustee of registered land is appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, a new certificate may be issued to him upon presentation to the Register of Deeds of a certified copy of the order or judicial appointment and the surrender for cancellation of the duplicate certificate (Sec. 67, P.D. 1529).

Q: If the property that was the subject of mortgage was subsequently foreclosed, must a new certificate of title be automatically issued in favour of the purchaser?

4. Whoever claims an interest in registered land by reason of any implied or constructive trust shall file for registration with the Register of Deeds a sworn statement thereof containing a description of the land, the name of the registered owner and a reference to the number of the certificate of title. Such claim shall not affect the title of a purchaser for value and in good faith before its registration (Sec. 68, P.D. 1529).

A: The answer must be qualified. 1. No right of redemption - the certificate of title of the mortgagor shall be canceled, and a new certificate issued in the name of the purchaser. 2. There is right of redemption - the certificate of title of the mortgagor shall not be canceled, but the certificate of sale and the order confirming the sale shall be registered by a brief memorandum thereof made by the Register of Deeds upon the certificate of title.

INVOLUNTARY DEALINGS Q: Must involuntary dealings be registered? A: Yes. It is the act of registration which creates a constructive notice to the whole world of such instrument or court writ or process and is the operative act that conveys ownership or affects the land insofar as third persons are concerned.

In the event the property is redeemed, the certificate or deed of redemption shall be filed with the Register of Deeds, and a brief memorandum thereof shall be made by the Register of Deeds on the certificate of title of the mortgagor.

Q: What are the involuntary dealings that must be registered?

If the property is not redeemed, the final deed of sale executed by the sheriff in favor of the purchaser at a foreclosure sale shall be registered with the Register of Deeds; whereupon the title of the mortgagor shall be canceled, and a new certificate issued in the name of the purchaser (Sec. 63, P.D. 1529).

A: 1. 2. 3.

Attachment Adverse claim Notice of lis pendens

Q: What is a writ of attachment? Q: What is the rule on registration in case the property conveyed is held in trust?

A: It is used primarily to seize the debtor’s property in order to secure the debt or claim of the creditor in the event that a judgment is rendered.

A: 1. If a deed or other instrument is filed in order to transfer registered land in trust, or upon any equitable condition or limitation expressed therein, or to create or declare a trust or other equitable interests in such land without transfer, the particulars of the trust, condition, limitation or other equitable interest shall not be entered on the certificate; but only a memorandum thereof shall be entered by the words "in trust", or "upon condition", or other apt words, and by a reference by number to the instrument authorizing or creating the same. A similar memorandum shall be made upon the original instrument creating or declaring the trust or other equitable interest with a UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

Q: What is the effect of the non-recording of a writ of attachment? A: An attachment levied on real state not duly recorded in the Registry of Property is not an encumbrance on the attached property, nor can such attachment unrecorded in the registry, serve as a ground for decreeing the annulment of the sale of the property at the request of another creditor.

470

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS Q: What is adverse claim?

Q: What is the effect of the registration of an adverse claim?

A: It is a notice to third persons that someone is claiming an interest on the property or has a better right than the registered owner thereof, and that any transaction regarding the disputed land is subject to the outcome of the dispute.

A: It renders the adverse claim effective and any transaction regarding the disputed land shall be subject to the outcome of the dispute.

Q: What is the purpose of adverse claim?

Q: What is the effect of non-registration of an adverse claim?

A: The purpose of annotating the adverse claim on the title of the disputed land is to apprise third persons that there is a controversy over the ownership of the land and to preserve and protect the right of the adverse claimant during the pendency of the controversy.

A: The effect of non-registration or invalid registration of an adverse claim renders it ineffective for the purpose of protecting the claimant’s right or interest on the disputed land, and could not thus prejudice any right that may have arisen thereafter in favor of third parties.

Q: When is a claim of interest adverse?

Q: What are the limitations to the registration of an adverse claim?

A: 1. 2. 3.

Claimant’s right or interest in registered land is adverse to the registered owner; Such right or interest arose subsequent to the date of original registration; or No other provision is made in the decree for the registration of such right or claim.

A: 1. 2.

Q: May an adverse claim exist concurrently with a subsequent annotation of a notice of lis pendens?

Q: What are the formal requisites of an adverse claim for purposes of registration?

A: Yes, an adverse claim may exist concurrently with a subsequent annotation of a notice of lis pendens. When an adverse claim exists concurrently with a notice of lis pendens, the notice of adverse claim may be validly cancelled after the registration of such notice, since the notice of lis pendens also serves the purpose of the adverse claim.

A: WNR 1. Adverse claimant must state the following in Writing: a. his alleged right or interest; b. how and under whom such alleged right of interest is acquired; c. description of the land in which the right or interest is claimed; and d. certificate of title number 2. 3.

No second adverse claim based on the same ground may be registered by the same claimant. A mere money claim cannot be registered as an adverse claim.

Q: What is the lifespan of a registered adverse claim? A: The adverse claim shall be effective for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of registration and it may be cancelled.

Such statement must be signed and sworn to before a Notary public; and Claimant shall state his Residence or place to which all notices may be served upon him.

Q: What is the effect of the expiration of the period of effectivity of an adverse claim?

Q: How are adverse claims registered? A: The expiration does not ipso facto terminate the claim. The cancellation of the adverse claim is still necessary to render it ineffective; otherwise, the inscription will remain annotated and shall continue as a lien to the property.

A: By filing a sworn statement with the Register of Deeds of the province where the property is located, setting forth the basis of the claimed right together with other data pertinent thereto.

Q: May the RD cancel an adverse claim? Note: Entry of the adverse claim filed on the day book is sufficient without the same being annotated at the back of the corresponding certificate of title (Director of Lands v. Reyes, G.R. No. L-27594, Feb. 27, 1976)

A: The RD cannot, on its own, automatically cancel the adverse claim. Note: Before the lapse of 30-day period, the claimant may file a sworn petition withdrawing his adverse claim, or a petition for cancellation of adverse claim may be filed in the proper Regional Trial Court

Q: What claims may be registered as adverse claims? A: Any claim of part or interest in registered land that are adverse to the registered owner, arising subsequent to the date of the original registration (Sec. 70, PD 1529) Note: A mere money claim cannot be registered as an adverse claim.

471


CIVIL LAW Q: What must an interested party do if he seeks the cancellation of a registered adverse claim?

Q: When may a notice of lis pendens be made and when may it not be resorted to?

A: The interested party must file with the proper court a petition for cancellation of adverse claim, and a hearing must also first be conducted.

A: NOTICE OF LIS PENDENS When applicable When Inapplicable 1. Recover possession of real estate 2. Quieting of title 3. Remove clouds upon title 4. For Partition 5. Any other proceeding of any kind in court directly affecting title to the land or its use or occupation or the building thereon

Q: What is notice of lis pendens? A: Lis pendens literally means a pending suit. The doctrine of lis pendens refers to the jurisdiction, power or control which a court acquires over property involved in a suit, pending the continuance of the action, and until final judgment. It merely creates a contingency and not a lien. It does not produce any right or interest which may be exercised over the property of another. It only protects the applicant’s rights which will be determined during trial.

Q: What are the effects of the annotation of notice of lis pendens?

Note: It is not a lien or encumbrance under our civil law. It is mere cautionary notice to prospective buyers of certain property that said property is under litigation. The annotation of a notice of lis pendens at the back of the original copy of the certificate of title on file with the Register of Deeds is sufficient to constitute constructive notice to purchasers or other persons subsequently dealing with the same property. One who deals with property subject of a notice of lis pendens cannot invoke the right of a purchaser in good faith neither can he acquire better rights that those of his predecessors-in-interest.

A: The filing of notice of lis pendens has 2 effects: 1. It keeps the subject matter of litigation within the power of the court until the entry of the final judgment to prevent the defeat of the final judgment by successive alienation; and 2.

Q: What is the basis for such notice? A: Such announcement is founded upon public policy and necessity, the purpose of which is to keep the properties in litigation within the power of the court until the litigation is terminated and to prevent the defeat of the judgment or decree by subsequent alienation (Isabelita Cunanan et al., v. Jumping Jap Trading Corporation et al., G.R. No. 173834, April 24, 2009).

2.

It binds a purchaser, bona fide or not, of the land subject of the litigation to the judgment or decree that the court will promulgate subsequently.

Q: What statutory liens affecting title are not barred even though not noted in the title? A: LUPD 1. Liens, claims or rights arising or existing under the laws and the Constitution, not required by law to appear of record in the RD;

Q: What are the purposes of a notice of lis pendens? A: To: 1.

1. Attachments 2. Levy or execution 3. Proceedings on probate or wills 4. Administration of the real estate of deceased person 5. Proceedings for the recovery of money judgments

2.

Unpaid real estate taxes levied and assessed within two (2) years immediately preceding the acquisition of any right over the land by an innocent purchaser for value without prejudice to right of the government to collect taxes payable before that period from the delinquent taxpayer alone;

3.

Public highway or private way established or recognized by law or any government irrigation canal or lateral thereof; and

4.

Any Disposition of the property or limitation on the use thereof by virtue of laws or regulations on agrarian reform (Sec. 44, PD 1529).

protect the rights of the party causing the registration of the lis pendens; and advise third persons who purchase or contract on the subject property that they do so at their peril and subject to the result of the pending litigation.

Note: It is an announcement to the whole world that a particular real property is in litigation, serving as a warning that one who acquires an interest over said property does so at his own risk, or that he gambles on the result of the litigation over the said property. The filing of a notice of lis pendens charges all strangers with a notice of the particular litigation referred to therein and, therefore, any right they may thereafter acquire on the property is subject to the eventuality of the suit (Isabelita Cunanan et al., v. Jumping Jap Trading Corporation et al., G.R. No. 173834, April 24, 2009).

Q: When may a notice of lis pendens be cancelled? A: A notice of lis pendens may be cancelled in the following cases before final judgment upon order of the court: MEND-PC


472

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS 1. 2.

3.

4.

5. 6.

as against the State even if the property has been previously classified as alienable and disposable as it is that official declaration that converts the property to patrimonial (Republic of the Philippines vs. Metro Index Realty and Development Corporation; G.R. No. 198585, July 2, 201).

When it is shown that the notice is for the purpose of Molesting the adverse party; Where the Evidence so far presented by the plaintiff does not bear out the main allegations of the complaint; When it is shown that it is Not necessary to protect the right of the party who caused the registration thereof; Where the continuances of the trial are unnecessarily Delaying the determination of the case to the prejudice of the defendant; Upon verified Petition of the party who caused the registration thereof; or It is deemed Cancelled after final judgment in favor of defendant, or other disposition of the action, such as to terminate all rights of the plaintiff to the property involved.

Q: What is the reason behind their non-registrability? A: They are intended for public use, public service or development of the national wealth. They are outside the commerce of men and, therefore, not subject to private appropriation. Q: Which lands are non-registrable? A: 1.

Q: May a notice of lis pendens be cancelled despite the pendency of the case?

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

A: Yes. Though ordinarily a notice of lis pendens cannot be cancelled while the action is still pending and undetermined, the proper court has discretionary power to cancel it under peculiar circumstances, as for instance, where the evidence so far presented by the plaintiffs does not bear out the main allegations of his complaint, and where the continuances of the trial, for which the plaintiffs is responsible are unnecessarily delaying the determination of the case to the prejudice of the defendants (Baranda v. Gustillo, G.R. No. L-81163, Sept. 26, 1988). Q: When is a notice of lis pendens deemed cancelled?

Property of public domain or those intended for public use, public service or development of the national wealth. Forest or timber lands Water sheds Mangrove swamps Mineral lands Parks and plazas Military or naval reservations Foreshore lands Reclaimed lands Submerged areas River banks Lakes Reservations for public and semi-public purposes Others of similar character

Q: In 1913, Gov. Gen. Forbes reserved a parcel of land for provincial park purposes. Sometime thereafter, the court ordered said land to be registered in Ignacio Palomo’s name. What is the effect of the act of Gov. Gen Forbes in reserving the land for provincial park purposes?

A: Under Section 77 of P.D. 1529, a notice of lis pendens shall be deemed cancelled only upon the registration of a certificate of the clerk of court in which the action or proceeding was pending stating the manner of disposal thereof if there was a final judgment in favor of the defendant or the action was disposed of terminating finally all rights of the plaintiff over the property in litigation (Isabelita Cunanan et al., v. Jumping Jap Trading Corporation et al., G.R. No. 173834, April 24, 2009).

A: As part of the reservation for provincial park purposes, they form part of the forest zone. It is elementary in the law governing natural resources that forest land cannot be owned by private persons. It is not registrable and possession thereof, no matter how lengthy, cannot convert it into private property, unless such lands are reclassified and considered disposable and alienable (Sps. Palomo, et. al. v. CA, et. al., G.R. No. 95608, Jan. 21, 1997).

NON-REGISTRABLE PROPERTIES Q: What are non-registrable lands?

Q: Under what instance is a forested area classified as a forest land?

A: These are properties of public dominion which, under existing legislation, are not the subject of private ownership and are reserved for public purposes.

A: A forested area classified as forest land of the public domain does not lose such classification simply because loggers or settlers may have stripped it of its forest cover. Parcels of land classified as forest land may actually be covered with grass or planted with crops by kaingin cultivators or other farmers. “Forest lands” do not have to be on mountains or in out-of-the-way places. The classification of land is descriptive of its legal nature or status and does not have to be descriptive of what the land actually looks like (Vicente Yu Chang and Soledad Yu Chang v. Republic, G.R. No. 171726, Feb. 23, 2011).

Note: That properties of the public dominion are not susceptible to prescription and that only properties of the State that are no longer earmarked for public use, otherwise known as patrimonial, may be acquired by prescription are fundamental, even elementary, principles in this jurisdiction. In Heirs of Mario Malabanan v. Republic, the Supreme Court, in observance of the foregoing, clarified the import of Section 14(2) and made the following declarations: (a) the prescriptive period for purposes of acquiring an imperfect title over a property of the State shall commence to run from the date an official declaration is issued that such property is no longer intended for public service or the development of national wealth; and (b) prescription will not run

473


CIVIL LAW Q: What is foreshore land?

with prayer for TRO. The RTC dismiss PRA’s petition and ruled that PRA was not exempt from payment of real property taxes as it was organized as a stock corporation. Is the ruling correct?

A: A strip of land that lies between the high and low water marks and is alternatively wet and dry according to the flow of tide. It is that part of the land adjacent to the sea, which is alternately covered and left dry by the ordinary flow of tides.

A: The subject lands are reclaimed lands, specifically portions of the foreshore and offshore areas of Manila Bay. As such, these lands remain public lands and form part of the public domain. In the case of Chavez v. Public Estates Authority and AMARI Coastal Development Corporation, the Court held that foreshore and submerged areas irrefutably belonged to the public domain and were inalienable unless reclaimed, classified as alienable lands open to disposition and further declared no longer needed for public service. The fact that alienable lands of the public domain were transferred to the PEA (now PRA) and issued land patents or certificates of title in PEA’s name did not automatically make such lands private. This Court also held therein that reclaimed lands retained their inherent potential as areas for public use or public service (Republic of the Philippines, represented by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) vs. City of Parañaque; G.R. No. 191109, July 18, 2012.)

Note: Seashore, foreshoreland, and/or portions of the territorial waters and beaches, cannot be registered. Even alluvial formation along the seashore is part of the public domain and, therefore, not open to acquisition by adverse possession by private persons.

Q: What are mangrove swamps? A: These are mud flats, alternately washed and exposed by the tide, in which grows various kindred plants which will not live except when watered by the sea, extending their roots deep into the mud and casting their seeds, which also germinate there. These constitute the mangrove flats of the tropics, which exist naturally, but which are also, to some extent cultivated by man for the sake of the combustible wood of the mangrove and like trees as well as for the useful nipa palm propagated thereon (Montano v. Insular Government, G.R. No. 3714, Jan. 26, 1909).

DEALINGS WITH UNREGISTERED LANDS Q: Is the transfer of an unregistered land valid?

Q: Are mangrove swamps disposable?

A: Yes. It is valid only between the parties and does not bind third persons. Sec. 113 of P.D. 1529 states that no deed, conveyance, mortgage, lease, or other voluntary instrument affecting land not registered under the Torrens system shall be valid, except as between the parties thereto, unless such instrument shall have been recorded in the manner herein prescribed in the office of the Register of Deeds for the province or city where the land lies.

A: No. Mangrove swamps or manglares are forestall and not alienable agricultural land. Q: What are mineral lands? A: Mineral land means any land where mineral resources are found. Mineral resources, on the other hand, mean any concentration of mineral/rocks with potential economic value. Q: Can land be partly mineral and partly agricultural? A: The rights over the land are indivisible and that the land itself cannot be half agricultural and half mineral. The classification of land must be categorical; the land must be either completely mineral or completely agricultural. Q: What is watershed? A: It is a land area drained by a stream or fixed body of water and its tributaries having a common outlet for surface runoff. Q: What is watershed reservation? A: It is a forest land reservation established to protect or improve the conditions of the water yield thereof or reduce sedimentation. Q: Public Reclamation Authority (formerly Philippine Estate Authority or PEA), reclaimed several portions of the foreshore and offshore areas of Manila Bay. In 2003, the Parañaque City Treasurer issued Warrants of Levy of PRA’s reclaimed propertied. PRA filed a petition for prohubiton UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

474

LAND TITLES AND DEEDS Q: What are the functions of the RD, LRA and the courts in land registration? A: RD 1.

2.

3. 4.

5.

6.

Registration of an instrument presented for registration dealing with real or personal property which complies with the requisites for registration See to it that said instrument bears the proper documentary and stamps and that the same are properly cancelled If the instrument is not registerable: deny the registration thereof and inform the presentor of such denial in writing, stating the ground or reason therefore, and advising him of his right to appeal by consulta in accordance with Sec. 117 of PD 1529 Prepare and keep an index system which contains the names of all registered owners and lands registered

LRA 1.

2.

3.

4.

COURTS

Assistance to the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Land Bank, and other agencies in the implementation of the land reform program of the government Assistance to courts in ordinary and cadastral land registration proceedings Central repository of records relative to the original registration of lands titled under the Torrens system, including the subdivision and consolidation plans of titled lands. Adjudicate appeal – en consulta cases

475

Jurisdiction over: 1.

Applications for original registration of title to lands, including improvements and interests therein

2.

Petitions filed after original registration, with power to hear and determine all questions arising upon such application or petitions.


CIVIL LAW Note: Either of these liabilities may be enforced against the offender subject to the caveat under Article 2177 of the Civil Code that the plaintiff cannot recover damages twice for the same act or omission of the defendant (Santos v. Pizardo, G.R. No. 151452, July 29, 2005).

TORTS AND DAMAGES PRINCIPLES Q: What is a tort?

Q: What is the principle of abuse of rights?

A: It is a civil wrong wherein one person’s conduct causes a compensable injury the person, property or recognized interest of another, in violation of a duty imposed by law

A: Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith. (Art. 19, NCC)

Note: The term tort was not used by the Code Commission and instead used the term quasi-delict because it is broader in coverage as it covers in common law countries, acts which are intentional or malicious, which latter acts in teh general plan of the Philippine legal system are governed by the Penal Code. However, the case of Barredo v. Garcia made no distinction between intentional and negligent injuries as it declared that quasi delict include punishable and non punishable acts or omission (Pineda, Torts and Damages Annotated, 2004 ed).

Note: This principle is based upon the famous maxim suum jus summa injuria (the abuse of a right is the greatest possible wrong). (Arlegui v. CA, G.R. No. 126437, Mar. 6, 2002)

Q: What is the rationale behind the principle? A: The exercise of a right ends when the right disappears, and it disappears when it is abused, especially to the prejudice of others. The mask of a right without the spirit of justice which gives it life is repugnant to the modern concept of social law. It cannot be said that a person exercises a right when he unnecessarily prejudices another or offends morals or good customs (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p. 325, citing BorrelMacia).

Q: What are the main functions of punishing tort? A: 1.Compensation and Restitution – to compensate persons sustaining a loss or harm as a result of another’s act or omission, placing the cost of that compensation on those who, in justice ought to bear it. 2. Prevention – to prevent future losses and harm

Note: The abuse of rights rule established in Article 19 of the Civil Code requires every person to act with justice, to give everyone his due and to observe honesty and good faith. (RellosavsPellosis, 362 SCRA 486)

Q: What are the major purposes of imposing liability arising from tort?

Q: What is meant by the maxim quejure suoutitur nullum damnum facit?

A: 1. To provide a peaceful means for adjusting the rights of parties who might otherwise take teh law into their own hands 2. Deter wrongful conduct 3. Encourage socially responsible behaviour 4. Restore injured parties to their original condition insofar as the court can do this by compensating them for their injury

A: One who exercises his legal right does no injury. Q: What is the concept of Damnum Absque Injuria? A: A person who only exercises his legal rights does no injury. If damages result from such exercise of legal rights, the consequences must be borne by the injured person alone. The law affords no remedy for damages resulting from an act which does not amount to a legal injury or wrong.

Q: What are the civil liabilities which may arise due to an act or omission of one, causing damage to another? A: 1. Civil liability ex delicto, under Article 100 of the Revised Penal Code

Q: Is Liability Without Fault different from Damnum Absque Injuria? A: Yes. Liability without Fault includes: a. Strict Liability – there is strict liability if one is made independent of fault, negligence or intent after establishing certain facts specified by law. It includes liability for conversion and for injuries caused by animals, ultra-hazardous activities and nuisance. b. Product Liability – is the law which governs the liability of manufacturers and sellers for damages resulting from defective products. (Aquino, T., Torts and Damages, 2005, Second Ed.)

2. Independent civil liabilities, such as those (a) not arising from an act or omission complained of as a felony, e.g., culpa contractual or obligations arising from law under Article 31 of the Civil Code (such as breach of contract or tort), intentional torts under Articles 32 and 34, and culpa aquiliana under Article 2176 of the Civil Code (b) where the injured party is granted a right to file an action independent and distinct from the criminal action under Article 33 of the Civil Code (in cases of defamation, fraud and physical injuries).


476

TORTS Q: What is the principle behind the prohibition against unjust enrichment? A: No one shall unjustly enrich himself at the expense of another (Pacific Merchandising Corp. v. Consolacion Insurance and Surety Co., Inc., 73 SCRA 564) Coverage: the article applies only if: i. Someone acquires or comes into possession of “something” which means delivery or acquisition of “things”; and ii. Acquisition is undue and at the expense of another, which means without any just or legal ground.

A: 1.

2. Note: Mistake is not an essential element, as opposed to solution indebiti where mistake is an essential element.

Q: What are the requisites for accion in rem verso?

3.

Q: When may accion in rem verso be availed of?

Strict liability – The person is made liable independent of fault or negligence upon submission of proof of certain facts.

General – the catch-all provisions on torts provided for in the Civil Code i.e. Articles 19, 20 and 21. The effect is that “there is a general duty owed to every person not to cause harm either willfully or negligently. Articles 19, 20, and 21 are provisions on human relations that “were intended to expand the concept of torts in this jurisdiction by granting adequate legal remedy for the untold number of moral wrongs which is impossible for human foresight to specifically provide for in the statutes.” (Aquino, 2005, citing PNB v. CA, et al. 83 SCRA 237)

2.

Specific torts - It includes trespass, assault and battery, negligence, products liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. As defined, torts fall into three different categories: intentional, negligent and liability (manufacturing and selling defective products), product liability tort.

A: No. If services were rendered by someone benefiting another, it does not mean that the latter is exempted from indemnifying the former. The liability will lie on quasicontract under Article 2146. Q: Is the owner of a property obliged to take reasonable care towards a trespasser for his protection or from concealed danger? A: GR: No. XPN:

Tolerated Possession – The owner is still liable if the plaintiff is inside his property by tolerance or by implied permission.

Intentional torts – The actor desires to cause the consequences of his act or believes the consequences are substantially certain to result therefrom.

1.

Q: Is rendition of services included under Art. 22?

2.

Negligent torts – It involves voluntary acts or omissions which results in injury to others, without intending to cause the same.

ACCORDING TO SCOPE: GENERAL OR SPECIFIC

A: It can only be availed of if there is no other remedy to enforce it based on contract, quasi-contract, crime or quasi-delict.

Visitors – Owners of buildings or premises owe a duty of care to visitors.

State of Necessity (Art. 432) – A situation of present danger to legally protected interests, in which there is no other remedy than the injuring of another’s also legally protected interest.

This refers to a tort or wrong perpetuated by one who intends to do that which the law has declared wrong as contrasted with negligence in which the tortfeasor fails to exercise that degree of care in doing what is otherwise permissible (Black’s Law th Dictionary, 6 Edition, p. 1489).

That the defendant has been enriched; That the plaintiff has suffered a loss; That the enrichment of the defendant is without just or legal ground; That the plaintiff has no other action based on contract, quasi-contract, crime or quasi-delict.

1.

4.

Q: What are the classes of torts according to manner of commission?

A: Accion In Rem Verso. It is an action for recovery of what has been paid without just cause.

4.

Doctrine of Attractive Nuisance

CLASSIFICATION OF TORTS

Q: What is the remedy for unjust enrichment?

A: 1. 2. 3.

3.

a. b. c.

Common carriers may be held liable for negligence to persons who stay in their premises even if they are not passengers.

d. e. f.

477

Art. 19, 20, 21 (catch-all provisions) unjust enrichment (arts. 22, 23, 2142 & 2143) violation of right of privacy and family relations dereliction of official duty of public officers unfair competition malicious prosecution


CIVIL LAW g. h.

violation of rights and liberties of another person nuisance

Q: What are the rules on liability for collapse of a building? A: 1.

THE TORTFEASOR

The collapse of the building must be within 15 years from the completion of the structure. The prescriptive period is 10 years following the collapse. If the engineer or architect supervises the construction, he shall be solidarily liable with the contractor. The liability does applies to collapse or ruin, not to minor defects. Even if payment has been made, an action is still possible. (Art. 1723, NCC)

Q: Who are the persons liable for a quasi-delict?

2.

A: Defendants in tort cases can either be natural or artificial beings.

3.

Q: Can a corporation be held liable for torts?

4.

A: Yes. A corporation may be held civilly liable in the same manner as natural persons. (PNB v. CA, 83 SCRA 237)

5.

Note: With respect to close corporations, the stockholders who are personally involved in the operation of the corporation may be personally liable for corporate torts under Section 100 of the Corporation Code.

Q: Who is liable when a building collapses during an earthquake? A: It depends. 1. If the proximate cause of the collapse of the building is an earthquake, no one can be held liable in view of the fortuitous event. 2. If the proximate cause is, however, defective designing or construction, or directly attributable to the use of inferior or unsafe material, it is clear that liability exists.

Q: What is the liability of the owner of a vehicle in case of an accident? A: In motor vehicle mishaps, the owner is solidarily liable with his driver, if the former, who was in the vehicle, could have, by the use of the due diligence, prevented the misfortune. It is disputably presumed that a driver was negligent, if he had been found guilty or reckless driving or violating traffic regulations at least twice within the next preceding two months. (Art. 2184, NCC)

Q: What is the liability of the the architect and builder to the employer when the construction is defective? A: Solidary liability for damages if within 15 years from the completion of the structure the same should collapse.

Q: What is the rule regarding the liability of proprietors of buildings: A: a.

b.

Q: What instance would make cities and municipalities liable for damages?

The proprietor of a building or structure is responsible for the damages resulting from its total or partial collapse, if it should be due to the lack of necessary repairs. (Art. 2190, NCC) Proprietors shall also be responsible for damages caused: 1) By the explosion of machinery which has not been taken care of with due diligence, and the inflammation of explosive substances which have not been kept in a safe and adequate place; 2) By excessive smoke, which may be harmful to persons or property; 3) By the falling of trees situated at or near highways or lanes, if not caused by force majeure; 4) By emanations from tubes, canals, sewers or deposits of infectious matter, constructed without precautions suitable to the place. (Art. 2191, NCC)

A: Cities and municipalities shall be subsidiarily liable for the neglect of duty of a member of a city or municipal police force. (Art. 34, NCC) Note: The defense of having observed the diligence of a good father of a family to prevent the damage is not available to the city or municipality.

Q: Who are joint tortfeasors? A: All the persons who command, instigate, promote, encourage, advice, countenance, cooperate in, aid, or abet the commission of a tort, or who approve it after it is done, if done for their benefit; they are each liable as a principal, to the same extent and in same manner as if they have performed the wrongful act themselves. (Worcester v.Ocampo, 22 Phil 42) Q: What is the nature of liability of joint tortfeasors? A: They are solidarily liable for the damage caused. (Metro Manila Transit Corporation v. CA, 298 SCRA 495) Note: In case of injury to a passenger due to the negligence of the driver of the bus on which he was riding and of the driver of


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TORTS another vehicle, the drivers as well as the owners of the two vehicles are jointly and severally liable for damages. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.144, citing Tiu v. Arriesgado 437 SCRA 426)

Q: Does the above stated rule apply to all cases of violation of law?

ACT OR OMISSION AND ITS MODALITIES

A: No. Generally, laws provide for their own sanctions and methods of enforcement thereof. Article 20 applies only in cases where the law does not provide for its own sanctions. Said article provides for a general sanction –indemnification for damages (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.329-330)

Q: When does liability for damages under quasi delict arises? A: Whoever by act or omission causes damage to another, there being fault or negligence, is obliged to pay for the damage done (Art. 2176, NCC).

Q: In view of the general sanction provided for under Art. 20, may a person have an absolute right to be indemnified?

Q: What is an act?

A: No. It is essential that some right of his be impaired. Without such, he is not entitled to indemnification. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.330)

A: Any bodily movement tending to produce some effect in the external world, it being unnecessary that the same be actually produced, as the possibility of its production is sufficient. (People v. Gonzales, 183 SCRA 309, 324)

Note: Article 20 does not distinguish; the act may be done willfully or negligently.

Q: When is there fault or negligence? Q: Differentiate Article 20 from Article 21 of the NCC. A: It consists in the omission of that diligence which is required by the nature of the obligation and corresponds with the circumstances of the persons, of the time and of the place (Art. 1173).

A: Article 20 speaks of the general sanction for all other provisions of law which do not especially provide for their own sanction. Article 21 on the other hand, speaks of act which is legal but is contrary to morals, good custom, public order or public policy and is done with intent to injure.

Note: Responsibility arising from negligence in the performance of every kind of obligation is demandable, but such liability may be regulated by the courts, according to the circumstances (Art. 1172).

Note: Any person who willfully causes loss or injury to another in a manner that is contrary to morals, good customs or public policy shall compensate the latter for the damage. (Art. 21, NCC)

Q: What is the rule when negligence shows bad faith? A: Responsibility arising from fraud is demandable in all obligations (Art. 1171). Furthermore, in case of fraud, bad faith, malice or wanton attitude, the obligor shall be responsible for all damages which may be reasonably attributed to the non-performance of the obligation (Art. 2201).

Q: What are the elements of acts contra bonus mores under Art. 21, NCC? A: 1. There is an act which is legal; 2. But which is contrary to morals, good custom, public order, or public policy; and 3. It is done with intent to injure.

Q: If the law or contract does not state the degree of diligence required in the performance of the obligation, what should be followed?

Q: What is the rule on breach of promise to marry?

A: That which is expected of a good father of a family must be observed (Art. 1173).

A: GR: If a person promised to marry another and the promise was broken, no court can compel the promissee. The right to marry is a personal one and is not subject to judicial compulsion.

Q: When is negligence excused? A: When the events that transpired were unforeseen or, which though unforeseen, were inevitable XPN: 1. In cases specified by law 2. When declared by stipulation 3. When the nature of the obligation requires the assumption of risk

XPN: A breach of promise to marry may give rise to damages under certain circumstances: a) if there is criminal or moral seduction (Art. 2219, par. 3 and 10) b) actual damages suffered by reason of breach of promise to marry. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.333-339) c) The aggrieved party may ask the other to recognize the child, if there is any, and to give support to said child in addition to compensatory damages. (Suarez, 2011, 195)

Q: Aside from quasi delict and abuse of rights, when may liability for damages arise? A: Every person who, contrary to law, willfully or negligently causes damage to another, shall indemnify the latter for the same (Art. 20, NCC).

Q: Rosa was leasing an apartment in the city. Because of the RentControl Law, her landlord could not increase the

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CIVIL LAW rental as much as he wanted to, nor terminate her lease as long as she was paying her rent. In order to force her to leave the premises, the landlord stopped making repairs on the apartment, and caused the water and electricity services to be disconnected. The difficulty of living without electricity and running water resulted in Rosa's suffering a nervous breakdown. She sued the landlord for actual and moral damages. Will the action prosper? (1996 Bar Question)

Q: Who are the persons vicariously liable? A: F-GOES-T 1. Father, or in case of death or incapacity, mother: a. damage caused by minor children b. living in their company 2. Guardians: a. for minors or incapacitated persons b. under their authority c. living in their company 3. Owners and managers of establishments: a. for their employees b. in the service of the branches in which they are employed, or; c. on the occasion of their functions 4. Employers: a. damages caused by employees and household helpers b. acting within the scope of their assigned tasks c. even if the employer is not engaged in any business or industry 5. State – acting through a special agent and not when the damage has been caused by the official to whom the task done properly pertains. 6. Teachers or heads of establishments: a. of arts and trades b. for damages caused by their pupils and students or apprentices c. so long as they remain in their custody (Art. 2180, NCC)

A: Yes, based on quasi-delict under the human relations provisions of the NCC (Articles 19, 20 and 21) because the act committed by the lessor is contrary to morals. Moral damages are recoverable under Article 2219(10) in relation to Article 21. Although the action is based onquasidelict and not on contract, actual damages may be recovered if the lessee is able to prove the losses andexpenses she suffered. Q: What is the principle of vicarious liability or law on imputed negligence? A: Under Art. 2180, a person is not only liable for torts committed by him, but also for torts committed by others with whom he has a certain relation or for whom he is responsible. Q: How is quasi-delict under Art. 2180 interpreted? A: A person or juridical entity is made liable solidarily with a tortfeasor simply by reason of his relationship with the latter. The relationship may either be a parent and child; guardian and ward; employer and employee; school and student.

Q: When is the actual tortfeasor not exempted from liability? A: The minor, ward, employee, special agent, pupil, students and apprentices who actually committed the delictual acts are not exempted by the law from personal responsibility. They may be sued and made liable alone as when the person responsible for them or vicarious obligor proves that he exercised the diligence of a good father of a family or when the minor or insane person has no parents or guardians. In the latter instance, they are answerable with their own property. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.83)

Q: What is the presumption of negligence on persons indirectly responsible? A: The presumption of law is that there was negligence on the part of the master or employer either in the selection of the servant or employee (culpa in eligiendo) or in the supervision over him after the selection (culpa vigilando), or both. Note: The presumption is juris tantum and not juris et de jure; subsequently, it may be rebutted. Accordingly, if the employer shows to the satisfaction of the court that in the selection and supervision of his employee he has exercised the care and diligence of a good father of a family, the presumption is overcome and he is relieved of the liability.

PARENTS Q: What are the requisites of vicarious liability of parents? A:

Q: What is the nature of the responsibility of a vicarious obligor?

1. 2.

A: His liability is primary and direct, not subsidiary. He is solidarily liable with the tortfeasor. His responsibility is not conditioned upon the insolvency of or prior recourse against the negligent tortfeasor (De Leon Brokerage v. CA, G.R. 15247, Feb. 28, 1962)

3.


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The child is below 21 years of age The child committed a tortuous act to the damage and prejudice of another person The child lives in the company of the parent concerned whether single or married (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.85).

TORTS Q: What is the difference between a minor child and an incapacitated person in the preceding number?

GUARDIAN Q: Who is a minor under this article?

A: Minors here refer to those who are below 21 years and not to those below 18 years. While incapacitated persons refer to persons beyond 21 years of age but are incapacitated such as those who are insane or imbecile. The reason is that R.A. 6809, the law reducing the age of majority states in Art. 236 that “Nothing in this code shall be construed to derogate from the duty or responsibility of parents and guardians for children and wards below 21 years of age mentioned in the second and third paragraphs of Art. 2180 of the Civil Code” (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.81)

A: Minors here refer to those who are below twenty-one (21) years and not to those below 18 years. The law reducing the majority age from 21 to 18 years did not amend these paragraphs. (Art. 236 Family Code as amended by RA No. 6809) (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.81-82) Q: Are de facto guardians covered by Art. 2180? A: Yes, they are liable for acts committed by children while living with them and are below 21 years of age, the law being applied by analogy. De facto guardians are relatives and neighbors who take upon themselves the duty to care and support orphaned children without passing through judicial proceedings. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.88)

Q: What is the basis of the parents’ vicarious liability? A: This liability is made natural as a logical consequence of the duties and responsibilities of parents exercising parental authority which includes controlling, disciplining and instructing their children. In this jurisdiction the parent’s liability is vested by law which assumes that when a minor or unemancipated child living with their parent, commits a tortuous act, the parents are presumed negligent in the performance of their duty to supervise the children under their custody. A presumption which is juris tantum, not juris et de jure, and can be rebutted only by showing proof of having exercised and observed all the diligence of a good father of a family (diligentissimi patris familias) (Tamagro v. CA, 209 SCRA 519).

OWNERS AND MANAGERS OF ESTABLISHMENTS AND ENTERPRISES Q: In what sense do the terms “owners and managers” used? A: They are used in the sense of “employer” and do not include the manager of a corporation who himself is just an employee (Phil. Rabbit Bus Lines v. Phil. American Forwarders, Inc., G.R. No. L-25142, Mar. 25, 1975).

Q: In the event of death or incapacity of the parents, who are liable for acts or omissions of minors?

However, a manager who is not an owner but who assumes the responsibility of supervision over the employees of the owner may be held liable for the acts of the employees. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.89)

A: In default of the parents or a judicially appointed guardian, parental authority shall be exercised by the following persons in the order indicated: 1. Surviving grandparents; 2. Oldest sibling, over 21 years old unless unfit or unqualified; 3. Child’s actual custodian, over 21 years old unless unfit or disqualified.

Q: What must be proved in order to make the employer liable? A: To make the employer liable under Art. 2180, it must be established that the injurious or tortuous act was committed at the time the employee was performing his functions (Marquez v. Castillo, 68 Phil 568; Cerf v.Medel, 33 Phil 37).

Note: Judicially adopted children are considered legitimate children of their adopting parents (Sec. 17, RA 8552 Domestic Adoption Act of 1988). Thus, adopters are civilly liable for their tortuous/criminal acts if the children live with them and are minors.

EMPLOYERS

Q: Is the mother liable simultaneously with the father?

Q: What is the distinction between par. 4 and 5?

A: No. The law does not make the father and mother simultaneously liable. It is only in the case of death or incapacity of the father, that the mother may be held liable.

A: Owners/Managers (Par 4) Requires engagement in business on the part of the employers as the law speaks of “establishment or enterprise”

Note: Consequently, the wife as a co-defendant with the husband or if impleaded alone while the husband is alive and well, may move to dismiss the case filed against her for being premature. (Romano v. Parinas, 101 Phil. 141) As for an illegitimate child, if he is acknowledged by the father and live with the latter, the father shall be responsible. However, if he is not recognized by the putative father but is under the custody and supervision of the mother, it is the latter who is the one vicariously liable. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.87)

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Employers (Par 5) The employers need not be engaged in business or industry.


CIVIL LAW Q: Who is an employer?

521 [1993]; Delsan Transport Lines v, C&tA Construction, 412 SCRA 524). Likewise, if the driver is charged and convicted in a criminal case for criminal negligence, BT is subsidiarily liable for the damages arising from the criminal act.

A: Employer includes any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee and shall include the government and all its branches, subdivisions and instrumentalities, all government-owned or controlled corporations and institutions, as well as nonprofit private institutions, or organizations. (Art. 97, P.D. 442)

Q: Is it required that the employer is engaged in some kind of industry or work? A: No. Negligent acts of employees, whether or not the employer is engaged in a business or industry, are covered so long as they were acting within the scope of their assigned task. For, admittedly, employees oftentimes wear different hats. They perform functions beyond their office, title or designation but which, nevertheless, are still within the call of duty. (Castilex Industrial Corporation v. Vasquez, et. al.)

Q: What is the presumption on the negligence of the employer? A: The employer is presumed to be negligent and the presumption flows from the negligence of the employee. Once the employee’s fault is established, the employer can then be made liable on the basis of the presumption that the employer failed to exercise diligentissimipatris families in the selection and supervision of its employees. (LRTA v. Navidad, G.R. 145804, Feb. 6, 2003)

Q: Is it required that the employee must be performing his assigned task at the time that the injury is caused?

Q: What is required before an employer may be held liable for the act of its employees?

A: Yes. The vicarious liability of employers attaches only when the tortuous conduct of the employee relates to, or is in the course of his employment. (Valenzuela v. CA)

A: 1. 2.

3.

The employee was chosen by the employer personally or through another; The service is to be rendered in accordance with orders which the employer has the authority to give all times; That the elicit act of the employee was on the occasion or by reason of the functions entrusted to him.

However, it is not necessary that the task performed by the employee is his regular job or that which was expressly given to him by the employer. It is enough that the task is indispensable to the business or beneficial to the employer. (Filamer Christian Institute v. IAC, 212 SCRA 637) Q: After working overtime up to midnight, Alberto, an executive of an insurance company drove a company vehicle to a favorite Videoke bar where he had some drinks and sang some songs with friends to "unwind". At 2:00 a.m., he drove home, but in doing so, he bumped a tricycle, resulting in the death of its driver. May the insurance company be held liable for the negligent act of Alberto? Why? (2001 Bar Question)

Note: Before the employer’s subsidiary liability is exacted, there must be proof that: 1. they are indeed the employer of the convicted employee 2. the former are engaged in some kind of industry 3. the crime was committed by the employees in the discharge of their duties 4. that the execution against the latter has not been satisfied due to insolvency.

A: No. The insurance company is not liable because when the accident occurred, Alberto was not acting within the assigned tasks of his employment.

Q: OJ was employed as professional driver of MM Transit bus owned by Mr. BT. In the course of his work, OJ hit a pedestrian who was seriously injured and later died in the hospital as a result of the accident. The victim’s heirs sued the driver and the owner of the bus for damages. Is there a presumption in this case that Mr. BT, the owner, had been negligent? If so, is the presumption absolute or not? (2004 Bar Question)

It is true that under Art. 2180 (par. 5), employers are liable for damages caused by their employees who were acting within the scope of their assigned tasks. However, the mere fact that Alberto was using a service vehicle of the employer at the time of the injurious accident does not necessarily mean that he was operating the vehicle within the scope of his employment. In Castilex Industrial Corp. v. Vasquez Jr (321 SCRA393 [1999]), the Supreme Court held that notwithstanding the fact that the employee did some overtime work for the company, the former was, nevertheless, engaged in his own affairs or carrying out a personal purpose when he went to a restaurant at 2:00 a.m. after coming out from work. The time of the accident (also 2:00 a.m.) was outside normal working hours.

A: Yes, there is a presumption of negligence on the part of the employer. However, such presumption is rebuttable. The liability of the employer shall cease when they prove that they observed the diligence of a good father of a family to prevent damage (Article 2180, Civil Code). When the employee causes damage due to his own negligence while performing his own duties, there arises the juris tantum presumption that the employer is negligent, rebuttable only by proof of observance of the diligence of a good father of a family (Metro Manila Transit v. CA, 223 SCRA UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

482

TORTS Q: What are the defenses available to an employer?

Employer is liable even if not engaged in business Proof of negligence is by mere preponderance of evidence

A: 1. Exercise of due diligence in the selection and supervision of its employees (except in criminal action); 2. The act or omission was made outside working hours and in violation of company’s rules and regulations.

Petitioner must prove that the employer is engaged in business Proof beyond reasonable doubt is required

Q: Arturo sold his Pajero to Benjamin for P1M. Benjamin took the vehicle but did not register the sale with the Land Transportation Office. He allowed his son Carlos, a minor who did not have a driver's license, to drive the car to buy pan de sal in a bakery. On the way, Carlos driving in a reckless manner, sideswiped Dennis, then riding a bicycle. As a result, he suffered serious physical injuries. Dennis filed a criminal complaint against Carlos for reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries.

Q: What are the remedies of the injured party in pursuing the civil liability of the employer for the acts of his employees? A: 1. If he chooses to file a civil action for damages based on quasi-delict under Article 2180 and succeeds in proving the negligence of the employee, the liability of the employer is primary, direct and solidary. It is not conditioned on the insolvency of the employee (Metro Manila Transit Corp. v. CA, G.R. No. 118069, Nov. 16, 1998).

1. Can Dennis file an independent civil action against Carlos and his father Benjamin for damages based on quasi-delict? 2. Assuming Dennis' action is tenable, can Benjamin raise the defense that he is not liable because the vehicle is not registered in his name? (2006 Bar Question)

2. If he chooses to file a criminal case against the offender and was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt, the civil liability of the employer is subsidiary. The employer cannot use as a defense the exercise of the diligence of a good father of a family.

A: 1.

Once there is a conviction for a felony, final in character, the employer under Article 103 of the RPC, is subsidiary liable, if it be shown that the commission thereof was in the discharge of the duties of the employee. A previous dismissal of an action based on culpa aquiliana could not be a bar to the enforcement of the subsidiary liability required by Art. 103 RPC (Jocson, et al. v. Glorioso, G.R. L-22686, Jan. 30, 1968) (Pineda, pp. 101-102, 2009 ed.) 2. Q: Would the defense of due diligence in the selection and supervision of the employee available to the employer in both instances? (1997 Bar Question) A: The defense of diligence in the selection and supervision of the employee under Article 2180 of the Civil Code is available only to those primarily liable thereunder, but not to those subsidiary liable under Article 103 of the Revised Penal Code (Yumul v. Juliano, G.R. No. 47690, Apr., 28, 1941). Q: Give the distinctions on the employer’s liability under Art. 2180 NCC and Revised Penal Code

Yes, Dennis can file an independent civil action against Carlos and his father for damages based on quasidelict there being an act or omission causing damage to another without contractual obligation. Under Section 1 of Rule 111 of the 2000 Rules on Criminal Procedure, what is deemed instituted with the criminal action is only the action to recover civil liability arising from the act or omission punished by law. An action based on quasi-delict is no longer deemed instituted and may be filed separately (Section 3, Rule 111, Rules of Criminal Procedure). No, Benjamin cannot raise the defense that the vehicle is not registered in his name. His liability, vicarious in character, is based on Article 2180 because he is the father of a minor who caused damage due to negligence. While the suit will prosper against the registered owner, it is the actual owner of the private vehicle who is ultimately liable (See Duavit v.CA, G.R. No. L-29759, May 18, 1989). The purpose of car registration is to reduce difficulty in identifying the party liable in case of accidents (Villanueva v. Domingo, G.R. No. 144274, Sept. 14, 2004). STATE

Q: When is the State liable for the acts of others? A: CIVIL CODE Liability is direct, primary, and solidary the employer may be sued even without suing the employee Diligence of a good father of a family is a defense

RPC Liability is subisidiary

A: The State is only liable for the negligent acts of its officers, agents and employees when they are acting as special agents. The State has voluntarily assumed liability for acts done through special agents. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.105)

Diligence of a good father of a family is not a defense

Note: The State assumes the role of an ordinary employer and will be held liable for the special agent’s torts (Fontanilla v. Malianan). If the act is performed by an official upon whom previously

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CIVIL LAW devoted the duty of doing the act performed, it is the official, not the State, who is liable for damages by the act he performed (Pineda, Torts and Damages, Annotated, 2004 ed.).

Q: Is the application of Article 2180 limited to school of arts and trades? A: No. It applies to all, including academic institutions where the teacher-in-charge is liable for the acts of his students. In the case of establishments of arts and trades, it is the head thereof, and only he, who shall be liable. (Amadora v CA, 160 SCRA 315)

Q: Who is a special agent? A: A special agent is one who receives a definite and fixed order or commission, foreign to the exercise of the duties of his office.

Note: There is really no substantial difference distinction between the academic and non-academic schools in so far as torts committed by their students are concerned. The same vigilance is expected from the teacher over the student under their control and supervision, whatever the nature of the school where he is teaching.

An employee who on his own responsibility performs functions inherent in his office and naturally pertaining thereto is not a special agent. (Meritt v. Government of the Philippine Islands, 34 Phil 311) Q: What are the aspects of liability of the State? A: 1. 2.

Q: When is a student considered in the custody of the school authorities?

Public/Governmental – where the State is liable only for the tortuous acts of its special agents. Private/Non-governmental – when the State is engaged in private business or enterprise, it becomes liable as an ordinary employer. (Fontanilla v. Maliaman; NIA v. Fontanilla, 179 SCRA 685)

A: The student is in the custody of the school authorities as long as he is under the control and influence of the school and within its premises, whether the semester has not ended, or has ended or has not yet begun. The term “custody” signifies that the student is within the control and influence of the school authorities. The teacher in charge is the one designated by the dean, principal, or other administrative superior to exercise supervision over the pupils or students in the specific classes or sections to which they are assigned. It is not necessary that at the time of the injury, the teacher is physically present and in a position to prevent it.

Note: If the special agent is not a public official and is commissioned to perform non-governmental functions, then the State assumes the role of an ordinary employer and will be held liable as such for the tortuous acts of said agent. If the State commissioned a private individual to perform a special governmental task, it is acting through a special agent within the meaning of the provision (NIA v. Fonatanilla, supra)

Q: Can the liability be imputed to the teacher-in-charge even if the student has already reached the age of majority?

TEACHERS AND HEADS OF ESTABLISHMENTS OF ARTS AND TRADES Q: What is the basis of the teacher’s vicarious liability?

A: Yes. Under Article 2180, age does not matter. Unlike the parent who will be liable only if the child is still a minor, the teacher is held answerable by the law for the act of the student regardless of the age of the student (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.113, citing Amadora v. Court of Appeals, 160 SCRA 315).

A: The basis of the teacher’s vicarious liability is, as such, they acting in Loco Parentis (in place of parents). However teachers are not expected to have the same measure of responsibility as that imposed on parent for their influence over the child is not equal in degree. The parent can instill more lasting discipline more lasting disciple on the child than the teacher and so should be held to a greater accountability than the teacher or the head for the tort committed by the child.

Q: Who is a minor under Art.221 of the Family Code? A: The term “unemancipated minor” found in Art. 221 means children below 18 years of age. This is in contrast with the “minor children” found in Art. 2180(2) of NCC which refers to children below 21 years. To avoid the overlapping in ages, the better option to settle the conflict is to consider Art 221 as totally superseded by Art 236(FC) as amended by R.A. 6809. Thus:

Q: What is the rationale of the liability of school heads and teachers for tortuous acts of their pupil and students? A: The rationale of school heads and teachers liability for tortuous acts of their pupil and students, so long as they remain in custody, is that they stand, to a certain extent, as to their pupils and students, in loco parentis and are called upon to “exercise reasonable supervision over the conduct of the child.” This is expressly provided for in Articles 349, 350 and 352 of the Civil Code. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.114)

GR: 18 years of age – parental authority ceases (emancipation) XPNS: 21 years of age in the following cases 1. marriage 2. Art. 2180(2) NCC Note: Art. 221 of the Family Code provides that parents and other persons exercising parental authority shall be civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused by the act or omission or their


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TORTS unemancipated children living in their company and under parental authority subject to the appropriate defenses provided by law.

PROXIMATE CAUSE Q: What is proximate cause?

Q: Distinguish between Articles 218 of the Family Code and 2180 of the New Civil Code

A: That cause, which, in natural and continuous sequence, unbroken by any efficient intervening cause, produces the injury, and without which the result would not have occurred.

A: ARTICLE 218 School, its administrators, teachers engaged in child care are made expressly liable Liability of school, its administrators, teachers is solidary and parents are made subsidiary liable Students involved must be a minor

ARTICLE 2180 Teachers, head of establishment in arts and trades are made expressly liable

Note: When the plaintiff's own negligence was the immediate and proximate cause of his injury, he cannot recover damages. But if his negligence was only contributory, the immediate and proximate cause of the injury being the defendant's lack of due care, the plaintiff may recover damages, but the courts shall mitigate the damages to be awarded (Art. 2179).

No such express solidary nor subsidiary liability is stated

Q: Distinguish proximate, immediate, intervening, remote and concurrent causes

Students involved are not necessarily minors

A: PROXIMATE INTERVENING CAUSE CAUSE

Q: What is the nature of the liability of the persons enumerated under Art. 218 of the Family Code?

One that It is the destroys the cause causal which, in connection natural and between the continuous negligent act sequence, and injury and unbroken by thereby any efficient negatives intervening liability. cause, produces Note: the injury, Foreseeable and without Intervening causes cannot which the result would be considered sufficient not have intervening occurred. causes

A: Those given authority and responsibility under Art. 218 shall be principally and solidarily liable for damages caused by the acts or omissions of the unemancipated minor. The parents, judicial guardians or the persons exercising substitute parental authority over said minor shall be subsidiarily liable. The respective liabilities shall not apply if it is proved that they exercised proper diligence required under the particular circumstances (Art 219). Q: A 15-year-old high school student stabs his classmate who is his rival for a girl, while they were going out of the classroom after their last class. Who may be held liable? (2005 Bar Question) A: Under Section 218 of the Family Code, the school, its administrators and teachers, or the individual, entity or institution engaged in child care shall have special parental authority and responsibility over the minor child while under their supervision, instruction or custody. Authority and responsibility shall apply to all authorized activities whether inside or outside the premises of the school, entity or institution.

REMOTE CAUSE

CONCURRENT CAUSE

That cause which some independent force merely took advantage of to accomplish something not the natural effect thereof.

Causes brought about by the acts and omissions of third persons which makes the defendant still liable. Here, the proximate cause is not necessarily the sole cause of the accident

Q: What are the tests to determine whether a cause is proximate?

Q: What defense, if any, is available to them?

A: 1.

A: These persons identified by law to be liable may raise the defense that they exercised proper diligence required under the circumstances. Their responsibility will cease when they prove that they observed all the diligence of a good father of a family to prevent damage. As regards the employer, if he shows to the satisfaction of the court that in the selection and in the supervision of his employees he has exercised the care and diligence of a good father of a family, the presumption is overcome and he is relieved from liability. (Layugan v. IAC, G.R. No. L-49542, Sept. 12, 1980).

2.

Cause-In-Fact Test – It is necessary that there is proof that defendant’s conduct is a factor in causing plaintiff’s damage. a. But For Test / Sine Qua Non Test b. Substantial Factor Test c. Necessary and Sufficient Test (NESS) (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.267-270) Policy test – The law limits the liability of the defendant to certain consequences of his action; if the damage or injury to the plaintiff is beyond the limit of the liability fixed by law, the defendant’s conduct cannot be considered the proximate cause of the damage. Note: Such limit of liability is determined by applying these subtests of the policy test: a. Foreseeability Test; b. Natural and Probable Consequence Test;

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CIVIL LAW c. d. e. f.

Natural and Ordinary or Direct Consequences Test; Hindsight Test; Orbit of Risk Test; Substantial Factor Test. (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.273)

fraught with risk and he should therefore foresee the impending harm that will result if he continues. (Suarez, 2011, 117)

EFFICIENT INTERVENING CAUSE Q: What is an efficient intervening cause?

Q: What is the “but for” test?

A: It is one which destroys the causal connection between the negligent act and the injury and thereby negatives liability (Morril v.Morril, 60 ALR 102, 104 NJL 557). It is sometimes called, novusactusinterviens.

A: This is also known as the sine qua non test. It considers whether the injury would not have occurred but for the defendant's negligent act. Defendant’s conduct is the cause in fact of the injury if the damage would not have resulted had there been no negligence on the part of the defendant.

Q: When is there no efficient intervening cause?

Note: The conduct of the defendant is not the cause of the event if the event would have occurred without it. (Suarez, 2011, 117)

A: If the force created by the negligent act or omission have either: 1. remained active itself; or 2. created another force which remained active until it directly caused the result; or 3. created a new active risk of being acted upon by the active force that caused the result. (57 Am. Jur. 2d 507)

Q: What is the substantial factor test? A: It makes the negligent conduct the cause-in-fact of the damage if it was a substantial factor in producing the injuries. It is important in cases where there are concurrent causes (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.268-269)

CAUSE vs. CONDITION

Q: What is the principle of concurrent causes?

Q: Distinguish cause and condition

A: Where the concurrent or successive negligent acts or omissions of two or more persons, although acting independently, are in combination with the direct and rd proximate cause of a single injury to a 3 person, and it is impossible to determine what proportion each contributed to the injury, either of them is responsible for the whole injury, even though his act alone might not have caused the entire injury.

A: Cause is the active force while condition is the passive situation. The former is the active “cause” of the harm and the latter is the existing “conditions” upon which the cause operated. Note: If the defendant has created only a passive static condition which made the damage possible, the defendant is said not to be liable.

Q: What is the necessary and sufficient test?

LEGAL INJURY

A: The act or omission is a cause-in-fact if it is a necessary element of a sufficient set.

Q: What is injury as distinguished from damage and damages?

Q: Explain natural and probable test.

A: Injury is the illegal invasion of a legal right; damage is the loss, hurt, or harm which results from the injury; and damages are the recompense or compensation awarded for the damage suffered.

A: Where the defendant’s liability is recognized only if the harm or injury suffered is the natural and probable consequence of his act or omission complained of. (Banzon v. CA, 175 SCRA 297)

Q: What is a right?

Q: Explain the foreseeability test

A: It is a legally enforceable claim of one person against another, that the other shall do a given act, or shall not do a given act (Pineda, Persons, p. 23)

A: Where the particular harm was reasonably foreseeable at the time of the defendant’s misconduct, his act or omission is the legal cause thereof. To be negligent, the defendant must have acted or failed to act in such a way that an ordinary reasonable man would have realized that certain interests of certain persons were unreasonably subjected to a general but definite class of risk which made the actor’s conduct negligent, it is obviously the consequence for the actor must be held legally responsible (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.53).

Q: What are the kinds of rights? Distinguish. A: 1.

E.g. right to life, liberty, privacy, and good reputation.

Note: A prudent man placed in the position of the defendant would have recognized that the course which he will pursue was


Natural Rights – Those which grow out of the nature of man and depend upon personality.

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TORTS 2.

Political Rights – Consist in the power to participate, directly or indirectly, in the establishment or administration of government.

Q: What are the torts committed against property? A: 1. 2. 3.

E.g. right of suffrage, right to hold public office, right of petition. 3.

Civil Rights – Those that pertain to a person by virtue of his citizenship in a state or community.

trespass to land, trespass to chattels, and conversion.

Q: What are the torts that cause injury to relations? A:

E.g.

1. 1. 2. 3. 4.

property rights, marriage, equal protection of laws, freedom of contract, trial by jury. (Pineda, Persons, p. 24) 5. Rights of personalty or human rights; 6. Family rights; and 7. Patrimonial rights: i. Real rights ii. Personal rights. (Rabuya Persons, p. 19)

2.

3.

4. Q: What is meant by damnum absque injuria? A: There is no liability even if there is damage because there was no injury.

Family relations a. Alienation of affection b. Loss of consortium c. Criminal conversation (adultery) Social relations a. Meddling with or disturbing family relations b. Intriguing to cause another to be alienated from his friends Economic relations a. Interference with contractual relations b. Unfair competition Political relations a. Violation of right to suffrage b. Violation of other political rights (freedom of speech, press, assembly and petition, etc.) INTENTIONAL TORTS

The literal meaning is “damage without injury.” This means that although the victim suffered physical damages or injury, the same is not considered a “legal injury” which entitles him to recover damages. (Suarez, 2011, 25)

Q: What is intentional tort? A: It is a tort or wrong perpetrated by one who intends to do that which the law has declared wrong as contrasted with negligence in which the tortfeasor fails to exercise that degree of care in doing what is otherwise permissible th (Black’s Law Dictionary, 6 edition, p. 1489).

Note: There can be damage without injury in those instances in which the loss or harm was not the result of a violation of a legal duty. In such cases, the consequences must be borne by the injured person alone.

Note: Intentional torts are those which involve malice or bad faith.

Q: What are the available remedies for a person whose rights have been violated?

Q: What is intent from the point of view of torts

A: Legal remedies are either preventive or compensatory. Every remedy in a certain sense is preventive because it threatens certain undesirable consequences to those who violate the rights of others.

A: It refers either to a person’s desire that certain consequences result from his actions or even his knowledge that those results are substantially certain to occur as a result of his actions (Garratt v. Dailey, 46 Wash 2d 197, 1955)

The primary purpose of a tort action is to provide compensation to a person who was injured by the tortuous conduct of the defendant. The remedy of the injured person is therefore primarily an action for damages against the defendant. (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.20)

Q: What is the doctrine of transferred intent? A: It arises when a person intends to commit a tort against one person and injury to another results instead. For intentional tort purposes, the intent will be deemed to be transferred from the intended victim to the actual one (U.S. v. Maisa, 8 Phil 597)

CLASSES OF INJURY Q: What are the torts committed against persons? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Q: What are the seven major intentional torts? assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and fraud

A: FITTED CAB 1. False Imprisonment (Dignitary Tort) 2. Trespass to land 3. Trespass to chattels (Trover) 4. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress 5. Conversion 6. Assault

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CIVIL LAW 7.

Battery

Q: Enumerate the intentional physical harms giving rise to tort liability

3. 4.

A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Battery Assault False Imprisonment Trespass to land Trespass to Chattels Conversion

5.

Q: Is actual contact necessary in battery? A: Yes. Unlike assault, battery involves an actual contact. The contact can be by one person (the tortfeasor) of another (the victim), or the contact may be by an object brought about by the tortfeasor. For example, the intentional contact by a car is a battery.

Q: Enumerate the intentional non- physical harms giving rise to tort liability A: 1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Violation of personal dignity Infliction of emotional distress Violation of privacy a. Appropriation b. Intrusion c. public disclosure of private facts d. false light in the public eye Malicious prosecution Defamation Fraud or misrepresentation Seduction Unjust dismissal Violation of rights committed by public officers

Note: Unlike criminal law, which recognizes degrees of various crimes involving physical contact, there is but a single tort of battery. Lightly flicking a person's ear is battery, as is severely beating someone with a tire iron. Neither is there a separate tort for a battery of a sexual nature.

Q: What are some rules in determining liability for tort based on battery? A: 1. The victim of a battery need not be aware of the act at the time for the tort to have occurred. 2. Battery is a form of trespass to the person and as such no actual damage (e.g. injury) needs to be proved. Only proof of contact (with the appropriate level of intention or negligence) needs to be made. 3. If there is an attempted battery, but no actual contact, that may constitute a tort of assault. 4. Battery need not require body-to-body contact. Touching an object "intimately connected" to a person (such as an object he or she is holding) can also be battery. 5. A contact may constitute a battery even if there is a delay between the defendant's act and the contact to the plaintiff's injury.

Q: What are the major defenses to intentional torts? A: DODD SLASH CORN 1. Defense of Others 2. Defense of land/chattels 3. Discipline 4. Self defense 5. Legal Authority 6. Shoplifter Detention 7. Consent 8. Recapture of Chattels 9. Necessity

Q: What is the eggshell skull theory?

INTENTIONAL PHYSICAL HARM

A: It is a legal doctrine that says the wrongdoer takes the victim in the condition he/she finds him. There is no allowance for an already weakened state of the injured party. If a defendant negligently injures someone, the defendant is responsible for all the consequences, whether they were foreseeable or not.

BATTERY (PHYSICAL INJURY) Q: What is battery as a basis for tort liability? A: It is the intentional, unprivileged, and either harmful or offensive contact with the person or a third person or an imminent apprehension of such a contact.

Note: The term implies that if a person had a skull as delicate as that of the shell of an egg, and a tortfeasor who was unaware of the condition injured that person's head, causing the skull unexpectedly to break, the defendant would be held liable for all damages resulting from the wrongful contact, even if the tortfeasor did not intend to cause such a severe injury.

Q: What are the elements of battery? A: 1. 2.

There must be a voluntary act; That the person either (a) intended to cause a harmful or offensive contact with his body or with the body of some third person or (b) intended to cause a third


person to have apprehension of such harmful or offensive contact; That a harmful or offensive contact with the body of a person actually resulted; That the person in some sensed “caused” the harmful or offensive contact, either because he himself touched another person or because he set in motion some force that actually did the touching; That the person did not consent to the contact.

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TORTS ASSAULT (GRAVE THREAT) Q: Is actual contact necessary in assault? Q: What is assault in the context of torts? A: No. As distinguished from battery, assault need not to involve actual contact—it only needs intent and the resulting apprehension. Assault may also be committed by words alone, but this rarely happens. For example, if a person says to another to duck, intending to make the latter think that he is about to be hit, that is an assault even though the former makes no gesture.

A: It is the tort of acting intentionally and voluntarily causing the reasonable and imminent apprehension of an immediate harmful or offensive contact. Q: What are the elements of assault as a basis for tort liability?

Note: A battery can occur without a preceding assault, such as if a person is struck in the back of the head. Fear is not required, only anticipation of subsequent battery.

A: 1. That a person committed a voluntary act; 2. That the person’s act created in another person an apprehension of immediate harmful or offensive contact with the latter’s person; 3. That the person intended to cause either a harmful or offensive contact or an apprehension of such a contact; 4. That there was a causal connection between the attacker and the other person’s apprehension; 5. The victim lacks consent.

Q: What are some defenses in assault? A: Assault can be justified in situations of self-defense or defense of a third party where the act was deemed reasonable. It can also be justified in situations where consent can often be implied (i.e. sports competitions). FALSE IMPRISONMENT (DIGNITARY TORT/ILLEGAL DETENTION)

Q: When is an actor liable for tort based on assault? A: An actor is liable for assault if: 1. He acts intending to cause a harmful or offensive contact with the person of the other, or an imminent apprehension of such a contact, and 2. The other is thereby put in such imminent apprehension.

Q: What are the elements of false imprisonment as a basis for tort liability? A: 1. An act or omission on the part of defendant that confines or restrains plaintiff 2. That plaintiff is confined or restrained to a bounded area; 3. Intent 4. Causation 5. Awareness of the defendant of the confinement that the defendant was actually harmed by it

Note: Assault requires intent. Actual ability to carry out the apprehended contact is not necessary.

Q: When is an act not considered an assault? A: An act intended as a step toward the infliction of a future contact, which is so recognized by the other, does not make the actor liable for an assault under the rule.

Note: In the case of People v. Bisda, 406 SCRA 454, moral damages may be awarded to a victim of illegal arrest and detention, especially if the victim is a minor, the accused poked a knife at her, forcibly took her from school, tied her hands and placed scotch tape on her mouth.

Q: When is contact said to be “harmful”? A: While the law varies by jurisdiction, contact is often defined as "harmful" if it objectively intends to injure, disfigure, impair, or cause pain.

Q: Must the restraint be physical in order to be liable for false imprisonment?

Q: When is an act deemed to be “offensive”?

A: No.While it is true that physical restraint is the classic form of false imprisonment, it can take the form of threats or duress such as threats to harm the person or his family if he leaves the premises.

A: The act is deemed "offensive" if it would offend a reasonable person’s sense of personal dignity. Q: In what context is “imminence” understood in determining tort liability for assault?

TRESPASS TO LAND Q: What is trespass to real property?

A: "Imminence" is judged objectively and varies widely on the facts; it generally suggests there is little to no opportunity for intervening acts.

A: It is a tort that is committed when a person unlawfully invades the real property of another (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.367).

Q: Distinguish apprehension from fear.

Note: The Revised Penal Code punishes different forms of trespass. On the other hand, Art. 451 of the Civil Code provides that damages may be awarded to the real owner if he suffered such damages because he was deprived of possession of his property by

A: The state of "apprehension" should be differentiated from the general state of fear, as apprehension requires only that the person be aware of the imminence of the harmful or offensive act.

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CIVIL LAW a possessor in bad faith or by a person who does not have any right whatsoever over the property.

CONVERSION Q: What is “conversion?”

Anybody who builds, plants or sows on the land of another knowing full well that there is a defect in his title is liable for damages. The liability is in addition to the right of the landowner in good faith to appropriate what was built, planted or sown or to remove the same.

A: It is an intentional interference with the plaintiff’s personal property that is so substantial that it is fair to require the defendant to pay the property’s full value.

Liability for damages under the above-cited provisions of the RPC and the NCC requires intent or bad faith (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.367)

Q: What are the elements of conversion? A: 1.

Q: What are elements of trespass to land? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

The defendant committed a coluntary act against the plaintiff The defendant physically invaded the real property owned by the plaintiff Intent The plaintiff had the immediate right to the possession of the land (as an owner living there or as a tenant renting it)

2. 3.

An act by the defendant that substantially interferes with plaintiff's right of possession in a chattel in a sufficiently serious fashion as justify the payment the chattel's full value. Intent on the part of the defendant Plaintiff was either in possession of the chattel or had the immediate right to possess it

Note: Conversion may include: 1. Cases where the defendant deprived the plaintiff of personal property for the purpose of obtaining possession of a real property, as when a landlord deprived his tenants of water in order for them to vacate the lot they were cultivating. 2. Unjustified deprivation of access to property such as unjustified disconnection of electricity service

Note: Thepossession of real property is not affected by acts of a possessory character which are merely tolerated.

TRESPASS TO CHATTELS (TROVER)

Q: What is the difference between “conversion” and trespass to chattels?

Q: What is trespass to chattels? A: It is where a person intentionally interferes with personal property in someone else’s possession.

A: It is the seriousness of the damage. In “conversion” claim, damage to the personal property is so egregious as to merit the defendant’s paying its full value in damages. Thus, not all trespasses to chattels are conversions, but all conversions are trespass to chattels. (Cf. U.S. v. Calimag, 12 Phil 687)

Note: It may also cover cases where the defendant deprived the plaintiff of personal property for the purpose of obtaining possession of a real property. (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.369, citing Magbanaua vs. IAC, 137 SCRA 329)

Q: What is the extent of trespass to personal property?

INTENTIONAL NON-PHYSICAL HARMS

A: In the field of tort, trespass extends to all cases where a person is deprived of his personal property even in the absence of criminal liability. (Aquino, T., Torts and Damages, 2005, Second Ed. p.368)

VIOLATION OF PERSONAL DIGNITY Q: What is the rule with regard to the right of a person to his dignity, personality, privacy and peace of mind?

Q: What are the elements of trespass to chattels? A: 1.

2. 3. 4.

A: Every person shall respect the dignity, personality, privacy and peace of mind of his neighbors and other persons. The following and similar acts, though they may not constitute a criminal offense, shall produce a cause of action for damages, prevention and other relief:

The defendant took a voluntary act which interfered with the plaintiff’s right of possession in the chattel. It could either be dispossession (taking possession to the exclusion of the owner) or intermeddling (touching or harming it without removing it from the owner’s possession) The defendant intended the interference The plaintiff either possessed or had the immediate right to possess the same Damages must be proven if the act is intermeddling, but if the act is dispossession, actual damages need not be proven.


1. 2. 3. 4.

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Prying into the privacy of another's residence; Meddling with or disturbing the private life or family relations of another; Intriguing to cause another to be alienated from his friends; Vexing or humiliating another on account of his religious beliefs, lowly station in life, place of birth, physical defect, or other personal condition. (Art. 26, NCC)

TORTS INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

relational harm principle (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.489-490)

Q: What are the requisites for one to be able to recover for the intentional infliction of emotional distress?

Note: The principle of relational harm includes harm to social relationships in the community in the form of defamation as distinguished from the principle of reactive harm which includes injuries to individual emotional tranquility (MVRS Publications Inc., et al v. Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines., et al., 396 SCRA 210).

A: The plaintiff must show that: 1. The conduct of the defendant was intentional or in reckless disregard of the plaintiff; 2. The conduct was extreme and outrageous; 3. There was a causal connection between the defendant’s conduct and the plaintiff’s mental distress; and 4. The plaintiff’s mental distress was extreme and severe (MVRS Publications Inc., et al v. Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines., et al., 396 SCRA 210)

Q: What is the so called “parasitic” damage for emotional distress? A: These are damages which depend on the existence of another tort (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.490) VIOLATION OF PRIVACY

Note: Even if there was no intentional infliction of emotional distress in one case, the SC recognized the possibility that one may be made liable for the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Q: What are the zones of privacy under the NCC, RPC, Rules of Court, and special laws? A: 1. That every person shall respect the dignity, personality, privacy and peace of mind of his neighbors and other persons and any act of a person of meddling and prying into the privacy of another is punishable as an actionable wrong;

Q: What does “extreme and outrageous conduct” mean? A: It is conduct that is so outrageous in character, and so extreme in degree, as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency, and to be regarded as atrocious, and utterly intolerable in civilized society (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.487)

2. That a public officer or employee or any private individual shall be liable for damages for any violation of the rights and liberties of another person, and recognizes the privacy of letters and other private communications;

Q: What does “emotional distress” mean? A: It is any highly unpleasant mental reaction such as extreme grief, shame, humiliation, embarrassment, anger, disappointment, worry, nausea, mental suffering and anguish, shock, fright, horror, and chagrin (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.487)

3. The RPC makes a crime the: i. violation of secrets by an officer, ii. revelation of trade and industrial secrets, and iii. trespass to dwelling. 4. Invasion of privacy is likewise an offense in special laws such as the: i. anti-wiretapping law; and ii. secrecy of bank deposits act; and

Note: “Severe emotional distress” in some jurisdictions, refer to any type of severe and disabling emotional or mental condition which may be generally recognized and diagnosed by professionals trained to do so, including posttraumatic stress disorder, neurosis, psychosis, chronic depression, or phobia.

5. The Rules communication.

The plaintiff is required to show, among other things, that he or she suffered emotional distress so severe that no reasonable person could be expected to endure it; severity of the distress is an element of the cause of action, not simply a matter of damages.

of

Court

provisions

on

privileged

Q: What is the standard to be applied in determining the existence of a violation of the right to privacy?

The plaintiff cannot recover merely because of hurt feelings. Liability cannot be extended to every trivial indignity. The plaintiff must necessarily be expected and required to be hardened to a certain amount of rough language, and to acts that are definitely inconsiderate and unkind.

A: The right to privacy is not a guaranty to hermitic seclusion. The standard to be applied is that of a person of ordinary sensibilities. It is relative to the customs of the time and place, and is determined by the norm of an ordinary person.

Q: Distinguish emotional distress from defamation

Note: The essence of privacy is the right to be let alone. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.348)

A: An emotional distress tort action is personal in nature. It is a civil action filed by an individual to assuage the injuries to his emotional tranquility due to personal attacks on his character.

Q: What is the two-part test in determining the reasonableness of a person’s expectation of privacy?

Emotional distress properly belongs to the reactive harm principle while defamation calls for the application of the

A: 1. Whether by his conduct, the individual has exhibited an expectation of privacy; and

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CIVIL LAW 2. Whether this expectation is one that society recognizes as reasonable.

Intrusion and administrative investigation:

Q: What are the four general classes of tort actions for invasion of privacy?

There is no intrusion when an employer investigates its employee or when a school investigates its student. In the latter case, the investigation may cover an alleged offense committed outside the school premises. (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.430)

A: 1. Appropriation; 2. Intrusion; 3. Public disclosure of private facts; and 4. False light in the public eye (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.349)

Intrusion and public records: Generally, there is no intrusion into the right of privacy of another if the information sought is a matter of public record. This is especially true in case the persons who are invoking the right to privacy are public officers and the matter involved is of public concern.

Q: What is appropriation? A: It consists of appropriation, for the defendant’s benefit or advantage, of the plaintiff’s name or likeness. (Carlisle v. Fawcett Publications, 201 Cal. App.2d 733, 20 Cal,Rptr. 405)

However, if the matter sought to be revealed does not involve anything of public concern, there can be a violation or the right to privacy. (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.438)

Q: What does this tort protect? A: The tort of commercial appropriation of likeness has been held to protect various aspects of an individual’s identity from commercial exploitation: 1. name 2. likeness 3. Achievements 4. Identifying characteristics 5. Actual performances 6. Fictitious characters created by a performer 7. Phrases and other things associated with an individual.

Q: What is public disclosure of private facts? A: Consists of a cause of action in publicity, of a highly objectionable kind, given to private information about the plaintiff, even though it is true and no action would lie for defamation. (Melvin v. Reid, 112 Cal.App. 285, 297 P. 91) Q: What is violated in public disclosure of private facts? A: The interest sought to be protected is the right to be free from unwarranted publicity, from the wrongful publicizing of the private affairs and activities of an individual which are outside the realm of legitimate concern. (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.450, citing Ayer Productions, Ltd. Pty., et.al vs Hon. Ignacio Capulong, et. al. GR No. L-82380)

Q: What is intrusion? A: Consists in the intrusion upon the plaintiff’s solitude or seclusion. It includes:

Q: What are the elements of public disclosure of private facts?

1. Prying into the privacy of one’s home; 2. Invading his home; (Ford Motor Co. v. Williams, 108 Ga.App. 21, 132, S.E.2d 206) 3. Invading one’s privacy by looking from outside; 4. Eavesdropping; (LaCrone v. Ohio Bell Tel. Co., 114 Ohio App. 299, 182 N.E.2d 340, 59 O.O2d 236) or 5. Persistent and unwanted telephone calls.

A: 1. 2. 3.

Note: The tort of intrusion upon a person’s solitude protects a person’s sense of locational and psychological privacy.

Q: Who is a “public figure”?

Intrusion in public places:

A: A person who, by his accomplishments, fame or mode of living, or by adopting a profession or calling which gives the public a legitimate interest in his doings, his affairs, and his character, has become a ‘public personage’

Generally, there is no invasion of the right to privacy when a journalist records, photographs, or writes about something that occurs in public places. However, while merely watching a person in public places is not a violation, one does not automatically make public everything that he does in public. It should not be tantamount to harassment or overzealous shadowing.

Q: Is it a tortuous conduct for one to publish facts derived from official proceedings? A: If the facts published are not declared by law to be confidential, it is not tortuous (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.452)

This protection is not limited to public figures. Everyone is protected. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

There must be a public disclosure; The facts disclosed must be a private fact; The matter be one which would be offensive and objectionable to a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities.

492

TORTS Note: The rule however admits certain exceptions. Thus, Article 357 of the Revised Penal Code prohibits publication of certain acts referred to in the course of official proceedings. It punishes “any reporter, editor, or manager of a newspaper, daily or magazine, who shall publish facts connected with private life of another and offensive to the honor, virtue, and reputation of said person, even though said publication be made in connection with or under the pretext that it is necessary in the narration of any judicial or administrative proceedings wherein such facts have been mentioned.” (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2009, p. 452)

Re: Acquittal: Acquittal presupposes that a criminal information is filed on court and final judgment is rendered dismissing the case against the accused. It is not enough that the plaintiff is discharged on a writ of habeas corpus and granted bail. Such discharge is not considered the termination of the action contemplated to warrant the institution of a malicious prosecution suit against those responsible for the filing of the information against him. Nevertheless, it is believed that prior “acquittal” may include dismissal by the prosecutor after preliminary investigation.

Q: Is a governmental agency or officer tasked with, and acting in, the discharge of public duties vested with a right to privacy?

Q: What are the elements of malicious prosecution? A: In criminal cases: 1. the fact of the prosecution and the further fact that the defendant was himself the prosecutor, and that the action was terminated with an acquittal; 2. that in bringing the action, the prosecutor acted without probable cause; 3. the prosecutor was actuated or impelled by legal malice. (Yasona v. Ramos, G.R. 156339, Oct. 6, 2004)

A: No, said right belongs only to individuals acting in a private capacity (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p. 452). Q: What is false light in the public eye? A: Consists of publicity which places the plaintiff in false light in the public eye (Norman v. City of Las Vegas, 64 Nev. 38, 177 P.2d 442). Q: What is the interest to be protected in this tort?

Note: The term “prosecutor” includes the complainant who initiated the case; the prosecutor himself; any other public officer authorized to file and prosecute the criminal case.

A: The interest to be protected in this tort is the interest of the individual in not being made to appear before the public in an objectionable false light or false position.

Mere witnesses are not included, but are liable for false testimony or perjury for their falsehoods.

Q: How is false light in the public eye different from defamation?

To constitute malicious prosecution, there must be proof that the prosecution was prompted by a sinister design to vex and humiliate a person, and that it was initiated deliberately, knowing that the charges were false and groundless. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.254)

A: In false light, the gravamen of the claim is not reputational harm but rather the embarrassment of a person in being made into something he is not.

In civil cases:

Publication in defamation is satisfied if a letter is sent to a third person; while in false light cases, the statement should be actually made public.

1. The defendant filed a civil action against the plaintiff previously; 2. The action was dismissed for clear lack of merit or for being baseless, unfounded, and malicious; 3. The defendant who filed the previous complaint as plaintiff was motivated by ill-will or sinister design; 4. The present plaintiff suffered injury or damage by reason of the previous complaint filed against him. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.254-255)

In defamation, what is published lowers the esteem in which the plaintiff is held. In false light cases, the defendant may still be held liable even if the statements tell something good about the plaintiff. MALICIOUS PROSECUTION Q: What is a tort action for malicious prosecution?

Q: When is an action for malicious prosecution premature?

A: It is an action for damages brought by one against another whom a criminal prosecution, civil suit, or other legal proceedings has been instituted maliciously and without probable cause, after the termination of such prosecution, suit or proceeding in favor of defendant therein.

A: If the action filed by a party is still pending trial, the filing by the defendant of an action based on malicious prosecution anchored on the first case is premature. Its dismissal is in order. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p. 255. citing Cabacungan v. Corrales, 95 PHIL 919)

Note: Malicious prosecution, both in criminal and civil cases, requires the elements of: (1) malice, and (2) absence of probable cause. (Yasona v. De Ramos, 440 SCRA 154)

Q: Is there liability for malicious prosecution in case a suit is unsuccessful?

RE: Malice: The presence of probable cause signifies, as a legal consequence, the absence of malice.The absence of malice, therefore, involves good faith on the part of the defendant. This good faith may even be based on mistake of law.

A: None. The mere filing of a suit does not render the plaintiff liable for malicious prosecution should he be unsuccessful. Persons should have free resort to the courts.

493


CIVIL LAW The law does not impose a penalty on the right to litigate (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.255)

Q: Is the imputation of criminal intention libelous?

Note: However, the repeated filing of a complaint all of which were dismissed shows malicious prosecution entitling the injured party to an award of moral damages (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.256, citing Hawpia v. CA, 20 SCRA 536).

A: No, because intent to commit a crime is not a violation of law. Q: Is the allegation that the offender merely expresses his opinion or belief a defense in defamation cases?

DEFAMATION

A: In order to escape criminal responsibility, it is not enough for the offender to say that he expresses therein no more than his opinion or belief. The communication must be made in the performance of a “legal, moral, or social duty.”

Q: What is defamation and what does it cover? A: Defamation is tarnishing the reputation of someone; It is a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead. (Art. 353, RPC). It has two varieties, slander and libel.

Q: What is retraction and what is its effect as regards liability for defamation? A: When a periodical gives currency, whether innocently or otherwise, to a false and defamatory statement concerning any person, it is under both a legal and moral duty to check the propagation of such statement as soon as practicable by publishing a retraction.

Note: Actual damages need not be proved, at least where the publication is libelous per se, or where the amount of damages is more or less nominal.

Q: What is the reason for liability for defamation?

Retraction may mitigate the damages provided that it contains an admission of the falsity of the libelous publication and evince a desire to repair the wrong occasioned thereby.

A: The liability imposed for defamation is brought about by the desire to protect the reputation of every individual. The enjoyment of reputation is one of those rights necessary to human society that underlie the whole scheme of civilization. It is as much a constitutional right as the possession of life, liberty or property (Worcester v.Ocampo, 22 Phil 42)

Q: What is the effect if the publication was by reason of an honest mistake? A: It only serves to mitigate liability where the article is libelous per se.

Q: What are the requisites before one can be held liable for defamatory imputations? A: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Q: If the defamatory imputations were made in a privileged communication, is there liability therefor?

It must be defamatory; It must be malicious; It must be given in publicity; and The victim must be identifiable. (Alonzo v. Court of Appeals, 241 SCRA 51)

A: None. An absolutely privileged communication is one for which, by reason of the occasion on which it is made, no remedy is provided for the damages in a civil action for slander or libel. FRAUD OR MISREPRESENTATION (FORMERLY DECEIT)

Note: “Publication” is the communication of the defamatory matter to some third person or persons.

Q: What are the elements of misrepresentation in torts cases?

Q: What is libel? A: it is a defamation committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting or theatrical or cinematographic exhibition, or any similar means.

A: 1. Affirmative misrepresentation of a material fact; 2. Defendant knew that statement being made was false; 3. Intent; 4. Causation; 5. Justifiable reliance; and 6. Damages

Q: What is slander? A: An oral defamation.

Note: There is sexual fraud when the accused represented that he was single and the complainant agreed to marry him based on this representation. Thereafter, the accused heartlessly abandoned her (Manuel v. People, 476 SCRA 461)

Q: What is slander by deed? A: It is a crime committed by any person who performs an act that costs dishonor, discredit or contempt upon the offended party in the presence of other person or persons. UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

494

TORTS SEDUCTION

Mackay Cable & Radio Corp. v. Court of Appeals, Aug. 25, 1989)

Q: When is a defendant liable for damages in case of seduction?

VIOLATION OF RIGHTS COMMITTED BY PUBLIC OFFICERS

A: Seduction, by itself, is an act which is contrary to morals, good customs and public policy. The defendant is liable if he employed deceit, enticement, superior power or abuse of confidence in successfully having sexual intercourse with another (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.364)

Q: In what instances can a public officer be liable for damages? A: When a member of a city or municipal police force refuses or fails to render aid or protection to any person in case of danger to life or property, such peace officer shall be primarily liable for damages. (Art. 34, NCC)

Note: There is liability even if there is no breach of promise to marry.

An action may be brought by any person suffering from material or moral loss because a public servant refuses or neglects, without just cause to perform his official duty. (Art.27, NCC)

Q: What is included in “sexual assault”? A: The defendant would be liable for all forms of sexual assault. These include rape, acts of lasciviousness and seduction.

Requisites: i. defendant is a public officer charged with the performance of a duty in favor of the plaintiff ii. he refused or neglected without just cause to perform such duty (ministerial) iii. plaintiff sustained material or moral loss as consequence of such non-performance iv. the amount of such damages, if material

Note: Gender is immaterial in seduction and sexual assault.

Q: When can it be said that there is no seduction? A: Where the plaintiff, of adult age, maintained intimate sexual relations with the defendant, with repeated acts of intercourse, such conduct is incompatible with the idea of sdecution. Voluntariness and mutual passion, though there was artful persuasions and wiles without fulfilling the promise of marriage is not actionable.

Q: What is the intention of making public officers liable under Art 34, NCC? A: Art. 34 is intended to afford a remedy against police officers who connive with bad elements, are afraid of them or simply indifferent to duty.

UNJUST DISMISSAL Q: What is the rule on dismissal of employees?

Note: Public officials ought to act with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill and for failure to act with such, he may be held liable for exemplary damages in his personal capacity (Lim v, Ponce de Leon, 492 SCRA 497)

A: It is a basic rule that an employer has a right to dismiss an employee in the manner and on the grounds provided for under the NCC. If the dismissal is for a valid cause, his dismissal is consistent with the employer’s right to protect his interest in seeing to it that his employees are performing their jobs with honesty, integrity and good faith. (Aquino Torts and Damages, 2005, p.375, citing Marilyn Bernardo v. NLRC, Mar. 15, 1996)

INTERFERENCE WITH RELATIONS Q: What are the four kinds of interference? A: Interference with: 1. Family relations; 2. Social relations; 3. Economic relations; and 4. Political relations.

However, such exercise of the right to terminate must be consistent with the general principles provided for under Articles 19 and 21 of the New Civil Code. If there is noncompliance with said provisions, the employer may be held liable for damages. The right to dismiss an employee should not be confused with the manner in which the right is exercised and the effects flowing therefrom. If the dismissal is done anti-socially or oppressively then the employer should be deemed to have violated Art. 1701, NCC which prohibits acts of oppression by either capital or labor against the other, and Art. 21. (Quisaba v. Sta. Ines-Melale Veneer and Plywood, Inc. ,Aug. 30, 1974)

FAMILY RELATIONS ALIENATION OF AFFECTION Q: What is alienation of affection? A: This consists of depriving one spouse of the affection, society, companionship and comfort of the other. (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.480)

An employer may be held liable for damages if the manner of dismissing the employee is contrary to morals, good customs and public policy. This may be done by false imputation of misdeed to justify dismissal or any similar manner of dismissal which is done abusively. (Globe

Note: The Family Code imposes on the spouses the obligation to live together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity, and render mutual help and support. (Article 68) Interference with such may result in the tort liability of alienation of affection.

495


CIVIL LAW The gist of the tort is an interference with one spouse’s mental attitude toward the other and the conjugal kindness of marital relations resulting in some actual conduct which materially affects it.

because the same is contrary to law, morals and good customs. Moral damages were awarded because of the wife’s refusal to perform her wifely duties, her denial of consortium and desertion of her husband. Her acts constitute a willful infliction of injury upon her husband’s feelings in a manner contrary to morals, good customs or public policy. (Tenchaves v. Escaño, G.R. No. L-19671, July 26, 1966)

Q: In general, what is the scope of the tort ‘alienation of affections’? A: It extends to all cases of wrongful interference in the family affairs of others whereby one spouse is induced to leave the other spouse or to conduct himself or herself in a manner that the comfort of married life is destroyed. (Thomas M. Cooley and D. Avery Haggard, Treatise on the Law of Torts, Vol. 2, 1932 Ed., p.6)

CRIMINAL CONVERSATION (ADULTERY) Q: When is adultery committed? A: Adultery is committed by any married woman who shall have sexual intercourse with a man not her husband and by the man who has carnal knowledge of her knowing her to be married, even if the marriage was subsequently declared void (Art. 333, RPC).

Q: Who may be liable for alienation of affections? A: The defendant who purposely entices the spouse of another, to alienate his or her affections with his or her spouse, even if there are no sexual intimacies is liable for damages under this article. Likewise, a person who prevented the reconciliation of spouses after their separation is liable for alienation of affections.

Note: Concubinage is committed by a husband who shall:

Note: It is not necessary that there is adultery or the spouse is deprived of household services.

1. Keep a mistress in the conjugal dwelling; 2. Have sexual intercourse with her, under scandalous circumstances, with a woman not his wife; or 3. Cohabit with her in any other place. (Art. 334, RPC)

Q: What are some cases where there is no tort liability for alienation of affections?

Liability for adultery or concubinage based on the law on torts: not only moral damages but also for other appropriate damages.

A: 1.

There is no legal basis for the imposition of moral damages in case of Bigamy. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.249, citing People v. Bondoc, .GR. No. 22573-R, Apr. 21, 1959)

2.

3.

A woman cannot be made liable for alienation of the affections of the husband (of another woman) for being merely the object of the affections of said husband. To be liable, she must have done some active acts calculated to alienate the affections of the husband. She must, in a sense, be the “pursuer, not merely the pursued”; A prostitute is not liable for alienation of affections of the husband for having sexual intimacies with him on a chance occasion. When there is no more affection to alienate.

SOCIAL RELATIONS The following and similar acts, though they may not constitute a criminal offense, shall produce a cause of action for damages, prevention and other relief: (1) Prying into the privacy of another's residence; (2) Meddling with or disturbing the private life or family relations of another; (3) Intriguing to cause another to be alienated from his friends; (4) Vexing or humiliating another on account of his religious beliefs, lowly station in life, place of birth, physical defect, or other personal condition (Art. 26, NCC).

Q: May parents be liable for alienation of affections? A: Yes. However, parents are presumed to act for the best interest of their child. The law recognizes the right of a parent to advise his/her child and when such advise is given in good faith, the act, even if it results in separation, does not give the injured party a right of action (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.480).

Q: Who may be held liable for the tort intriguing to cause another to be alienated from his friends?

Note: An action for alienation of affection against the parents of one consort is does not lie in the absence of proof of malice (Tenchavez v. Escano, 15 SCRA 355)

A: A person who committed affirmative acts intended to alienate the existing friendship of one with his friends is liable for damages. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.352)

LOSS OF CONSORTIUM Q: What is loss of consortium? A: A spouse has a legal obligation to live with his or her spouse. If a spouse does not perform his or her duty to the other, he may be held liable for damages for such omission UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

496

TORTS ECONOMIC RELATIONS

protect the contracting party he is intermeddling for, from danger to his life or property, he should not be made liable for damages for the breach of the contract.

INTERFERENCE WITH CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS Q: What is interference with contract?

Q: What is the rule on business interruption damages? A: Any third person who induces another to violate his contract shall be liable for damages to the other contracting parties. (Art.1314, NCC)

A: Liability recognized 1.

Q: Why is interference with contract tortuous? A: Such interference is tortious because it violates the right of the contracting parties to fulfill the contract and to have it fulfilled, to reap the profits resulting therefrom, and to compel the performance by the other party. (45 Am. Jur. 2d 280-281)

2.

Q: What are the elements of interference to contractual relation? 3. A: 1. 2. 3.

Existence of a valid contract; Knowledge on the part of the third person of the existence of the contract; Interference of the third person without legal justification or excuse. (So Ping Bun v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 120554, Sept.21, 1999)

4.

5. 6.

Q: What is interference with prospective advantage? A: If there is no contract yet and the defendant is only being sued for inducing another not to enter into a contract with the plaintiff, the tort committed is appropriately called interference with prospective advantage.

A business owner whose business was interrupted as a result of a contractor’s delay in completing a construction project could recover economic damages from the contractor even though the business owner had not suffered physical injury or property damage A business owner is entitled to recover for business damages interruption unaccompanied by physical damage against a supplier of electrical power as a result of the wrongful termination of the business electrical services A business owner who did not sustain any property damage as a result of a pollution of a waterway but who suffered an interruption of their business could recover damages frm those responsible for the pollution Economic damages could also be recovered against people who cause the obstruction of a wharf or landing A threat of a chemical explosion A tenant in a building who caused leaking sewer line

Liability not recognized 1.

Q: What is the rule regarding the extent of recovery against defendant found guilty of interference with contractual relations?

2.

A: Such defendant cannot be held liable for more than the amount for which the party who induced to break the contract can be held liable. It would seem that the rule is consistent with the provisions of Article 2202 of the New Civil Code only if the contracting party who was induced to break the contract was in bad faith.

3.

However, when there is good faith, the party who breached the contract is only liable for consequences that can be foreseen. (Art. 2201, NCC)

4.

Q: What is the nature of the liability of the intermeddler? A: The liability of the intermeddler is solidary because the former has committed a tortuous act or quasi-delict where liability is solidary. (Art. 2941, NCC)

A business owner cannot maintain a negligence action for economic damage die to business interruption unaccompanied by personal njury or property damages against the party causing the interruption A plaintiff cannot recover in negligence for purely economic loss in the absence of physical injury against a defendant who has negligently caused the closing of a public bridge or river Amotel owner and waitress employed thereby could not maintain a claim for purely economic damages araising out of a contractor or fabricator of steel bars used in the construction of a bridge which was closed when cracks were discovered The owners of a barge or tugboat whch collided with a bridge resulting in the closing of the bridge for two months could not be held liable on the theory of negligence for the loss of business by two shores which resulted from the loss of access by customers who were unable to cross the bridge. UNFAIR COMPETITION

Q: What is unfair competition? Q: Is malice essential to make the intermeddler liable? A: It consists in employing deception or any other means contrary to good faith by which any person shall pass off the goods manufactured by him or in which he deals, or his business, or services for those of the one having established

A: GR: Yes. XPN: If the intention of the intermeddler is honest and laudable such as when the interference is intended to

497


CIVIL LAW goodwill, or committing any acts calculated to produce such result. (Second par., Sec. 29, R.A. No. 166)

8. 9.

Q: What is the true test of unfair competition? 10. 11.

A: The true test of unfair competition is whether certain goods have been intentionally clothed with an appearance which is likely to deceive the ordinary purchaser exercising ordinary care, and not whether a certain limited class of purchasers with special knowledge not possessed by the ordinary purchaser could avoid mistake by the exercise of this special knowledge. (U.S. v. Manuel, 7 Phil. 221)

12. 13.

14. Q: What is included in unfair competition? 15. 16.

A: Art. 28, NCC provides for unfair competition which includes: 1. Passing off or disparagement of products 2. Interference with contractual relations 3. Interference with prospective advantage 4. Fraudulent misappropriation against a competition 5. Monopolies and predatory pricing

17.

Q: What is predatory pricing? A: It is a practice of selling below costs in the short run in the hope of obtaining monopoly gains later, after driving the competition from the market.

18.

Q: What could be the basis of the award of damages in case of unfair competition?

19.

The right to the equal protection of the laws; The right to be secure in one's person, house, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures; The liberty of abode and of changing the same; The privacy of communication and correspondence; The right to become a member of associations or societies for purposes not contrary to law; The right to take part in a peaceable assembly to petition the government for redress of grievances; The right to be free from involuntary servitude in any form; The right of the accused against excessive bail; The right of the accused to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witness in his behalf; Freedom from being compelled to be a witness against one's self, or from being forced to confess guilt, or from being induced by a promise of immunity or reward to make such confession, except when the person confessing becomes a State witness; Freedom from excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishment, unless the same is imposed or inflicted in accordance with a statute which has not been judicially declared unconstitutional; and Freedom of access to the courts. (Art. 32, NCC)

A: It could either be 1. The reasonable profit which the complainant would have made had the defendant not infringed his rights 2. The profit which the defendant actually made out of the infringement 3. Reasonable percentage based upon the amount of gross sales of the defendant of the value of services in connection with which the mark or trade names was issued in the infringement of the complainant.

Note: The violation of a person’s rights under Article III of the 1987 Constitution as contemplated in Art. 32 constitutes constitutional tort.

POLITICAL RELATIONS

A: GR: Yes, if by performing their duties in good faith, they happen to violate or impair the rights and liberties mentioned in Article 32.

Q: What is the purpose of Article 32? A: Its purpose is to provide a sanction to the deeply cherished rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p. 387) Q: Are judges exempted from damages?

Article 32 of the New Civil Code: Any public officer or employee, or any private individual, who directly or indirectly obstructs, defeats, violates or in any manner impedes or impairs any of the following rights and liberties of another person shall be liable to the latter for damages: 1. Freedom of religion; 2. Freedom of speech; 3. Freedom to write for the press or to maintain a periodical publication; 4. Freedom from arbitrary or illegal detention; 5. Freedom of suffrage; 6. The right against deprivation of property without due process of law; 7. The right to a just compensation when private property is taken for public use; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

XPN: If the judge’s act or omission constitutes a violation of the Revised Penal Code or other penal statute, the judge is liable for damages aside from criminal liability. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.388) DEFENSES Q: What is the defense on interference? A: The defendants are free from liability if they can prove that at the time of the commission, the plaintiff knew of the act of interference or omission.

498

TORTS Q: What is the defense of privilege in torts cases? 2. A: To say that an act is “privileged” connotes that the actor owes no legal duty to refrain from such contact.

obtain consent or one empowered to consent for him, and The actor has no reason to believe that the other would decline.

Q: What is the rule if consent is procured by fraud or duress?

Q: Distinguish consensual and non-consensual privilege. A: Consensual privileges depend on the plaintiff agreeing to the defendant’s otherwise tortious act. On the other hand, nonconsensual privileges shield the defendant from liability for otherwise tortious conduct even if the plaintiff objects to the defendant’s conduct.

A: Consent will not shield the defendant from liability if it is procured by means of fraud or duress. Note: Courts invalidate consent procured by duress when defendants threaten the plaintiff or plaintiff’s loved ones with physical harm.

Q: When is consent a defense in torts cases and what is its basis?

Q: Why is self-defense a defense in tort cases? A: An actor is privileged to use reasonable force, not intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily harm, to defend himself against unprivileged harmful contract which he reasonably believes that another is about to inflict.

A: Typically, one cannot hold another liable in tort for actions to which one has consented. This is frequently summarized by the phrase "volenti non fit injuria" ("to a willing person, no injury is done" or "no injury is done to a person who consents"). It operates when the claimant either expressly or implicitly consents to the risk of loss or damage.

Q: When is an actor privileged to defend himself? A: An actor is privileged to defend himself against another by force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm when he reasonably believes that: 1. the other is about to inflict upon him an intentional contact and 2. he is thereby put in peril of death or serious bodily harm which can safely be prevented only by immediate use of such force.

Note: Consent is willingness in fact for the conduct to occur.

Q: What are some rules in determining whether consent is present as a defense? A: 1. It need not be communicated to the defendant 2. In determining whether plaintiff consented, defendant must reasonably interpret her overt act and manifestations of her feelings.

Note: Court requires objective and subjective belief (reasonable person could have seen the situation as dangerous and subject believed that he was in danger).

Note: The defendant’s subjective state is based on the plaintiff’s objective actions.

Q: When does the privilege of self-defense exist? A: The privilege exists even if the actor believes he can avoid defending himself by: 1. Retreating within his dwelling place, or 2. Permitting the other to intrude upon his dwelling place, or 3. Abandoning an attempt to effect a lawful arrest.

3. Plaintiff has burden of proof to show intent to commit the act, lack of consent, and harm. Q: Is consent a defense if the plaintiff or offended party is a minor? A: No.For one to surrender the right to be free from intentional interference by others, one must have the mental capacity to consent. Defendant can be liable despite the fact that the plaintiff was subjectively willing and communicated that willingness to the defendant.

Q: When does the privilege NOT exist?

Note: In common law countries, most courts have applied statutory rape statutes in civil cases regardless of proof that the plaintiff was able to understand the consequences of her act and consent.

A: The privilege does not exist if the actor believes that he can avoid defending himself by: 1. retreating in any place other than his dwelling place or 2. relinquishing the exercise of any right other than his privilege to prevent intrusion onto his dwelling place.

Q: When is consent not necessary in order to absolve one from the injuries he caused to another?

Q: May the actor use any means in order to defend himself?

A: Conduct that injures another does not make the actor liable to the other, even though the other has not consented to it if: 1. An emergency makes it necessary or apparently necessary to act before there is opportunity to

A: The actor is not privileged to use any means of selfdefense which is intended or likely to cause a bodily harm in excess of that which the actor correctly or reasonably believes to be necessary for his protection.

499


CIVIL LAW 2. One is privileged by necessity to trespass when there is a serious threat to life and no other lifesaving option is available; and 3. The owner of property may not eject a trespasser if the trespasser requires entry to protest himself and his property from harm.

Note: A party claiming self-defense must prove not only that he acted honestly in using force, but that his fears were reasonable under the circumstances, and the means of self-defense were reasonable.

Q: Is a person protecting a total stranger liable?

Note: In these instances, intrusion is said to be privileged. The necessity privilege to enter the land of another in order to avoid serious harm is coupled with an obligation on the part of the entrant to pay for whatever harm he caused.

A: The self-defense privilege extends to protecting total strangers as well. Q: May the intervener use any means or amount of force in defending the other?

Q: When may recapture of chattels be raised as a defense in intentional torts?

A: No. The force that may be used by an intervener to repel an attack on another is measured by the force that the other could lawfully use.

A: In order for it to be invoked, two things must concur: first, possession by the owner, and, second, a purely wrongful taking or conversion, without a claim of right (Kirby v. Foster, 298 F.3d 219).

Q: What is the consequence of a mistake on the part of the intervener?

Note: If personal property is involved, recapture of chattels is a proper defense, if it is a real property, recapture of land is a defense. Such recapture of land defense is most frequently present in landlord-tenant disputes. It is generally held by the courts that no privilege exists for a landowner to forcibly enter the tenant's premises or interfere with the tenant's person or property.

A: If the intervener is mistaken, even reasonably mistaken, the privilege is unavailable if it would not be available to the person to be protected. Note: The intervener’s mistake need only be reasonable; there is no need to show that the victim also had the privilege to defend himself.

Q: Who may invoke legal authority as a defense in intentional torts?

Q: Up to what extent is an actor privileged to defend his property from intrusions?

A: 1. Any person who acts in the fulfillment of a duty or in the lawful exercise of a right or office.

A: An actor is privileged to use reasonable force, not intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily harm, to prevent or terminate another’s intrusion upon the actor’s land if: 1. The intrusion is not privileged; 2. The actor reasonably believes that the intrusion can be prevented only by the force used; and 3. The actor has first requested the other to desist or the actor believes such request will be useless or substantial harm will be done before it can be made.

Note: An officer of the law is protected by the legal system when making an arrest, permitting that he properly followed the legal process.

2. Any person who acts in obedience to an order issued by a superior for some lawful purpose (Art. 11, pars. 5 and 6, RPC). Note: Under the RPC, a justifying circumstance relieves the offender not only from criminal liability but also from civil liability

Q: How may discipline be used as a defense in intentional torts?

Note: The intentional infliction which is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily harm, for the purpose of preventing or terminating the other’s intrusion upon the actor’s possession of land, is privileged only if the actor reasonably believes that the intruder is likely to cause death or serious bodily harm.

A: Based on a person's status or profession, he may be entitled to use reasonable force in order to discipline others. If a person such as a teacher, parent, or military official commits a tort which results in injury to a plaintiff, as long as certain conditions are met, the defense of discipline will excuse him from liability.

Q: The owner or lawful possessor of a thing has the right to exclude any person from the enjoyment and disposal thereof. For this purpose, he may use such force as may be reasonably necessary to repel or prevent an actual or threatened unlawful physical invasion or usurpation of his property (Art. 429, NCC). Is the owner’s right provided for in the said article an absolute right?

Q: When may necessity be used as a defense? A: Necessity is a tort defense that is used under unusual, emergency circumstances where a defendant injures a plaintiff in order to prevent a greater harm. The defendant must prove that the harm inflicted on the plaintiff's person or property was less than the harm that was prevented.

A: No. In the following instances, this right may not be invoked by the owner: 1. One may sacrifice the personal property of another to save his life or the lives of his fellows; UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 2013 GOLDEN NOTES

500

TORTS NEGLIGENCE

reasonable man. More so if there is no alternative thereto.

Q: What is negligence? 7.

Place – A man who should occasion to discharge a gun on an open and extensive marsh, or in a forest would be required to use less circumspection and care, then if he were to do the same thing in an inhabited town, village or city.

8.

Violation of Rules and Statutes a. Statutes b. Administrative Rules c. Private Rules of Conduct

9.

Practice and Custom – A practice which is dangerous to human life cannot ripen into a custom which will protect anyone who follows it (Yamada v. Manila Railroad, G.R. No.10073, Dec. 24, 1915).

A: The omission of that degree of diligence which is required by the nature of the obligation and corresponding to the circumstances of the persons, time and place. (Art. 1173, NCC) Q: What is the test of negligence? A: The test is: Would a prudent man, in the position of the tortfeasor, foresee harm to the person injured as a reasonable consequence of the course about to be pursued? If so, the law imposes a duty on the actor to take precaution against its mischievous results, and failure to do so constitutes negligence (Picart v. Smith, 37 Phil 809). Q: What are the degrees of negligence? Distinguish.

Q: Will intoxication signify negligence? A: 1.

2.

–

Simple negligence – want of slight care and diligence only

A: No. Mere intoxication is not negligence per se nor establishes want of ordinary care. But it may be one of the circumstances to be considered to prove negligence (Wright v. Manila Electric Railroad & Light Co., GR No. L7760, Oct. 1, 1914).

Gross negligence – there is a glaringly obvious want of diligence and implies conscious indifference to consequences (Amadeo v.Rio Y Olabarrieta, Inc., 95 Phil 33);

Q: What is contributory negligence? A: It is conduct on the part of the injured party, contributing as a legal cause to the harm he has suffered, which falls below the standard to which he is required to conform for his own protection (Valenzuela v. CA, G.R. No. 115024, Feb. 7, 1996).

pursuing a course of conduct which would probably and naturally result to injury. (Marinduque Iron Mines Agents, Inc. v. The Workmen’s Compensation Commission, 99 Phil 480)

Q: What are the circumstances to be considered in determining whether an act is negligent? A: 1.

2.

A: No. A child under nine (9) years of age is conclusively presumed incapable of contributory negligence as a matter of law. (Jarco Marketing Corp. v. Court of Appeals, 321 SCRA 377)

Person Exposed to the Risk – A higher degree of diligence is required if the person involved is a child. Emergency – The actor confronted with an emergency is not to be held up to the standard of conduct normally applied to an individual who is in no such situation.

3.

Social Value or Utility of Action – Any act subjecting an innocent person to unnecessary risk is a negligent act if the risk outweighs the advantage accruing to the actor and even to the innocent person himself.

4.

Time of the day – May affect the diligence required of the actor (Art. 1173); e.g. a driver is required to exercise more prudence when driving at night

5.

Gravity of the Harm to be Avoided – Even if the odds that an injury will result are not high, harm may still be considered foreseeable if the gravity of harm to be avoided is great.

6.

Q: Are children below nine (9) years capable of contributory negligence?

Q: What is the doctrine of comparative negligence? A: The negligence of both the plaintiff and the defendant are compared for the purpose of reaching an equitable apportionment of their respective liabilities for the damages caused and suffered by the plaintiff (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.51) Note: The relative degree of negligence of the parties is considered in determining whether, and to what degree, either should be responsible for his negligence (apportionment of damages).

Q: Can the principle of contributory negligence apply in criminal cases through reckless imprudence? A: No. The principle of contributory negligence cannot be used as defense in criminal cases through reckless imprudence because one cannot allege the negligence of another to evade the effects of his own negligence. (People

Alternative Cause of Action – If the alternative presented to the actor is too costly, the harm that may result may still be considered unforeseeable to a

501


CIVIL LAW v. Quinones, 44 O.G. 1520; People v. Orbeto, C.A. 430 O.G. 3173)

3. Where the plaintiff, a passenger, filed an action against a carrier based on contract; (Bustamante v. CA, G.R. No. 89880, Feb. 6, 1991)

LAST CLEAR CHANCE 4. If the actor, though negligent, was not aware of the danger or risk brought about by the prior fraud or negligent act;

Q: What is the doctrine of last clear chance (doctrine of discovered peril)? A: This is also called as the “humanitarian negligence doctrine.” Where both parties are negligent but the negligent act of one succeeds that of the other by an appreciable interval of time, the one who has the last reasonable opportunity to avoid the impending harm and fails to do so, is chargeable with the consequences, without reference to the prior negligence of the other party (Picart vs Smith, 37 Phil. 809).

5. In case of a collapse of a building or structure. (De Roy v. CA, G.R. No. L-41154, Jan. 29, 1988) 6. Where both parties are negligent (Philippine National Railways v. Brunty, 506 SCRA 685) Q: Mr and Mrs R own a burned-out building, the firewall of which collapsed and destroyed the shop occupied by the family of Mr and Mrs S, which resulted in injuries to said couple and the death of their daughter. Mr and Mrs S had been warned by Mr & Mrs R to vacate the shop in view of its proximity to the weakened wall but the former failed to do so. Mr & Mrs S filed against Mr and Mrs R an action for recovery of damages the former suffered as a result of the collapse of the firewall. In defense, Mr and Mrs R rely on the doctrine of last clear chance alleging that Mr and Mrs S had the last clear chance to avoid the accident if only they heeded the former’s warning to vacate the shop, and therefore Mr and Mrs R’s prior negligence should be disregarded. If you were the judge, how would you decide the case? (1990 Bar Question)

Note: The doctrine of last clear chance is a theory adopted to mitigate the harshness of the contributory negligence of the plaintiff (Phoenix Construction Inc. v. IAC, 148 SCRA 353)

Q: What are the requisites of the doctrine of last clear chance? A: 1.

2.

3.

Plaintiff is placed in danger by his own negligent acts and he is unable to get out from such situation by any means; Defendant knows that the plaintiff is in danger and knows or should have known that the plaintiff was unable to extricate himself therefrom; and Defendant had the last clear chance or opportunity to avoid the accident through the exercise of ordinary care but failed to do so, and the accident occurred as a proximate result of such failure. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.59-60)

A: I would decide in favor of Mr & Mrs S. The proprietor of a building or structure is responsible for the damages resulting from its total or partial collapse, if it should be due to the lack of necessary repairs (Art. 2190, NCC) As regards the defense of last clear chance, the same is not tenable because according to the SC in one case (De Roy v. CAL80718, Jan 29, 1988, 157 S 757) the doctrine of last clear chance is not applicable to instances covered by Art 2190 of the Civil Code. Further, in Phoenix Construction, Inc. v. Intermediate Appellate Court (G.R. L-65295, March 10, 1987. 148 SCRA 353) the Supreme Court held that the role of the common law "last clear chance" doctrine in relation to Art. 2179 of the Civil Code is merely to mitigate damages within the context of contributory negligence.

Q: Is the doctrine of last clear chance applicable in case of collision? A: Yes. In case of collision, it applies in a suit between the owners and drivers of colliding vehicles and not where a passenger demands responsibility from the carrier to enforce its contractual obligations (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.60, citing Tiu v. Arriesgado, 437 SCRA 426)

Q: What is the sudden peril doctrine/emergency rule?

Note: There is a different rule in case of collision of vessels.

A: One who suddenly finds himself in a place of danger, and is required to act without time to consider the best means that may be adopted to avoid the impending danger, is not guilty of negligence, if he fails to adopt what subsequently and upon reflection may have been a better method, unless the emergency in which he finds himself is brought about by his own negligence.(Mc Kee v. IAC, 211 SCRA 519)

Q: What are the instances when the doctrine of last clear chance is inapplicable? A: 1. When the injury or accident cannot be avoided by the application of all means at hand after the peril has been discovered; (Pantranco North Expressway v. Baesa, G.R. Nos. 79050-51, Nov. 14, 1989)

Note: Emergency rule exempts common carriers.

Q: What is the captain of the ship doctrine?

2. If the defendant’s negligence is a concurrent cause and which was still in operation up to the time the injury was inflicted;


A: A surgeon is likened to a captain of the ship, in that it is his duty to control everything going on in the operating

502

TORTS room. Thus, negligence committed during the operation is attributable to him.

Note: R.A. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006): 15 years of age or younger – age of absolute irresponsibility.

GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY OR REASONABLY PRUDENT MAN

Nevertheless, absence of negligence does not absolutely excuse the child from liability, as his properties, if any, can be held subsidiarily liable. Nor will such absence of negligence excuse the child’s parent’s vicarious liability.

Q: What is the general standard of diligence provided for under the NCC?

Q: What is “diligence before the fact”?

A: Bonus Pater Familias or that of a good father of a family.

A: The conduct that should be examined in negligence cases is prior conduct or conduct prior to the injury that resulted or, in proper cases, the aggravation thereof.

Note: If the law or contract does not state the diligencewhich is to be observed in the performance, that which is expected of a good father of a family shall be required. (Art. 1173 (2))

STANDARD OF CARE

Q: What is the rule in case of fault or negligence of an obligor?

STANDARD OF CONDUCT or DEGREE OF CARE REQUIRED In General If the law or contract does not state the diligence which is to be observed in the performance, that which is expected of a good father of a family shall be required (Article 1173, nd 2 paragraph, NCC).

A: Art. 1173. The fault or negligence of the obligor consists in the omission of that diligence which is required by the nature of the obligation and corresponds with the circumstances of the persons, of the time and of the place. When negligence shows bad faith, the provisions of Articles 1171 and 2201, paragraph 2, shall apply.

Note: Diligence of a good father of a family - bonos pater familias A reasonable man is deemed to have knowledge of the facts that a man should be expected to know based on ordinary human experience. (PNR v. IAC, GR No. 7054, Jan. 22, 1993)

Note: Art. 1171. Responsibility arising from fraud is demandable in all obligations. Any waiver of an action for future fraud is void.

Persons who have Physical Disability GR: A weak or accident prone person must come up to the standard of a reasonable man, otherwise, he will be considered as negligent.

Art. 2201. In contracts and quasi-contracts, the damages for which the obligor who acted in good faith is liable shall be those that are the natural and probable consequences of the breach of the obligation, and which the parties have foreseen or could have reasonably foreseen at the time the obligation was constituted.

XPN: If the defect amounts to a real disability, the standard of conduct is that of a reasonable person under like disability. Experts and Professionals GR: They should exhibit the case and skill of one who is ordinarily skilled in the particular field that he is in.

In case of fraud, bad faith, malice or wanton attitude, the obligor shall be responsible for all damages which may be reasonably attributed to the non-performance of the obligation.

Q: What is the concept of a good father of the family (pater familias)?

Note: This rule does not apply solely or exclusively to professionals who have undergone formal education.

A: The Supreme Court described a good father of a family by first stating who is not. He is not and is not supposed to be omniscient of the future; rather, he is one who takes precautions against any harm when there is something before him to suggest or warn him of the danger or to foresee it (Picart v. Smith, G.R. No. L-12406, Mar. 15, 1918).

XPN: When the activity, by its very nature, requires the exercise of a higher degree of diligence e.g. Banks; Common carriers Insane Persons The same rule applies under the New Civil Code. The insanity of a person does not excuse him or his guardian from liability based on quasi-delict. (Arts. 2180 and 2182, NCC). This means that the act or omission of the person suffering from mental defect will be judged using the standard test of a reasonable man.

Note: A good father of a family is likewise referred to as the reasonable man, man of ordinary intelligence and prudence, or ordinary reasonable prudent man. In English law, he is sometimes referred to as the man on top of a Clapham omnibus. (Aquino, 2005)

Q: Does the standard of conduct applied to adults apply equally to children?

The bases for holding a permanently insane person liable for his torts are as follows: Where one of two innocent person must suffer a loss it should be borne by the one who occasioned it; To induce those interested in the estate of the insane person (if he has one) to restrain and control him; and The fear that an insanity defense would lead to false claims of insanity to avoid liability. (Bruenig v. American Family Insurance Co., 173 N.W. 2d

A: GR: The action of a child will not necessarily be judged according to the standard of an adult. XPN: If the minor is mature enough to understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of his actions. In such a case, he shall be considered to have been negligent.

503


CIVIL LAW reasonable (Prosser and Keeton, Law of Torts, 1984 Ed., p.173, citing Terry, Negligence, 24 Harv. L. Rev. 40,42)

619[1970]). Note: Under the RPC, an insane person is exempt from criminal liability. However, by express provision of law, there may be civil liability even when the actor is exempt from criminal liability. An insane person is still liable with his property for the consequences of his acts, though they performed unwittingly. (US v. Baggay, Jr. G.R. No. 6706, Sept. 1, 1911)

Note: In the Philippines, the courts do not use any formula in determining if the defendant committed a negligent act or omission. What appears to be the norm is to give negligence a common sense, intuitive interpretation (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.44-45)

Employers That degree of care as mandated by the Labor Code or other mandatory provisions for proper maintenance of the work place or adequate facilities to ensure the safety of the employees.

In the field of negligence, interests are to be balanced only in the sense that the purposes of the actor, the nature of his act and the harm that may result from action or inaction are elements to be considered. Some may not be considered depending on the circumstances.

Note: Failure of the employer to comply with mandatory provisions may be considered negligence per se.

The following are circumstances to be considered:

Employees Employees are bound to exercise due care in the performance of their functions for the employers. Liability may be based on negligence committed while in the performance of the duties of the employee (Araneta v. De Joya, G.R. No. 83491, Aug. 27, 1990) Owners, Proprietors and Possessors of Property GR: The owner has no duty to take reasonable care towards a trespasser for his protection or even to protect him from concealed danger. XPN: 1. Visitors 2. Tolerated Possession 3. Doctrine of Attractive Nuisance 4. State of Necessity Doctors If a General Practitioner – Ordinary care and diligence in the application of his knowledge and skill in the practice of his profession

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

PRESUMPTION OF NEGLIGENCE Q: Discuss the provisions relative to presumptionof negligence A: Persons are generally presumed to have taken ordinary care of his concerns.There are however exceptions when negligence is presumed. 1. Article 2184. xxx. It is disputably presumed that a driver was negligent, if he had been found guilty of reckless driving or violating traffic regulations at least twice within the next preceding two months. xxx

If a Specialist – The legal duty to the patient is generally considered to be that of an average physician.

2. Lawyers An attorney is bound to exercise only a reasonable degree of care and skill, having reference to the business he undertakes to do (Adarne v. Aldaba, Adm. Case No. 80, June 27, 1978).

Article 2185. Unless there is proof to the contrary, it is presumed that a person driving a motor vehicle has been negligent if at the time of the mishap, he was violating any traffic regulation. Note: Proof of traffic violation required.

3.

UNREASONABLE RISK OF HARM Q: In determining whether a person has exposed himself to an unreasonable great risk, what must be present? A: Reasonableness, the elements of which are as follows: 1. Magnitude of the risk 2. Principal object 3. Collateral object 4. Utility of the risk 5. Necessity of the risk

Article 2188. There is prima facie presumption of negligence on the part of the defendant if the death or injury results from his possession of dangerous weapons or substances, such as firearms and poison, except when possession or use thereof is indispensable in his occupation or business. Note: Proof of possession of dangerous weapons or substances required.

4.

If the magnitude of the risk is very great and the principal object, very valuable, yet the value of the collateral object and the great utility and necessity of the risk counterbalanced those considerations, the risk is made


Time Place Emergency Gravity of harm to be avoided Alternative course of action Social value or utility of activity Person exposed to the risk (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.46-56)

504

Article 1756. In case of death or injuries of passengers, common carriers are presumed to have been at fault or acted negligently, unless they prove that they observed extraordinary diligence prescribed in Articles 1733 and 1755.

TORTS RES IPSA LOQUITUR

6.

Last Clear Chance – the person who had the last clear chance to avoid the mishap is considered in law solely responsible for the consequence thereof 7. Prescription 8. Waiver 9. Double Recovery - The plaintiff cannot recover damages twice for the same act or omission of the defendant 10. Contributory negligence – a partial defense whereby plaintiff who is partly responsible for his own injury should not be entitled to recover damages in full but must be liable only for damages actually caused by his own negligence

Q: How is negligence proven? A: 1. 2. 3.

Direct evidence Circumtantial evidence Res ipsa loquitur

Q: What does res ipsa loquitur mean? A: The thing speaks for itself. The fact of the occurrence of an injury, taken with surrounding circumstances, may permit an inference or raise a presumption of negligence, or make out a plaintiff’s prima facie case, and present a question of fact for defendant to meet with an explanation.

VOLENTI NON FIT INJURIA

Note: However, res ipsa loquitur is not a rule of substantive law and, as such, does not create nor constitute an independent or separate ground of liability. Instead, it is considered as merely evidentiary or in the nature of a procedural rule. (Professional Services v.Agana, 513 SCRA 478)

Q: What is meant by volenti non fit injuria/assumption of risk? A: This maxim means that “to which a person assents is not esteemed in law as injury.” Stated otherwise, “one is not legally injured if he has consented to the act complained of or was willing that it shall occur.” (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p76)

Q: What are the requisites for the application of the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur? A: 1.

2.

3.

Q: What are the elements of the doctrine of assumption of risk?

The accident was of such character as to warrant an inference that it would not have happened except for defendant’s negligence; The accident must have been caused by an agency or instrumentality within the exclusive management or control of the person charged with the negligence complained of; The accident must not have been due to any voluntary action or contribution on the part of the person injured. (Windvalley Shipping Co., Ltd. Vs Court of Appeals, 342 SCRA 214)

A: 1. The plaintiff must know that the risk is present; 2. He must further understand its nature; and 3. His choice to incur it is free and voluntary. Q: What are the two kinds of assumption of risk? A: 1. Express waiver of the right to recover; 2. Implied assumption a. Dangerous Conditions b. Contractual Relations c. Dangerous Activities d. Defendant’s negligence

Q: What are some cases where the doctrine was held to be inapplicable? A: 1. 2.

3.

Where there is direct proof of absence or presence of negligence; Where other causes, including the conduct of the plaintiff and third persons, are not sufficiently eliminated by the evidence; When one or more requisite is absent. (Aquino, Torts and Damages, 2005, p.149)

Q: What is meant by: 1. Dangerous conditions? A: A person who, knowing that he is exposed to a dangerous condition, voluntarily assumes the risk of such dangerous condition may not recover from the defendant who maintained such dangerous condition.

Q: What are the defences available in order to disprove negligence?

2. Contractual relations?

A: 1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

Due diligence Accident or fortuitous event Damnum absque injuria – There can be damage without injury in those instances in which the loss or harm was not the result of a violation of a legal duty Presumption of Regularity Assumption of risk

A: There may be an implied assumption of risk if the plaintiff entered into contractual relations with the defendant. By entering into a relationship freely and voluntarily where the negligence of the defendant is obvious, the plaintiff may be found to accept and consent to it, and to undertake to look out for himself and to relieve the defendant of the duty.

505


CIVIL LAW the manufacturer’s representatives or, in his absence, the importer shall be deemed the manufacturer. (Art. 4, RA 7394)

3. Dangerous activities? A: A person who voluntarily participates in dangerous activities assumes the risks which are usually present in such activities.

Q: What are the kinds of defects in products? A:

PRODUCTS LIABILITY

1. Manufacturing defect – defects resulting from manufacture, construction, assembly and erection. 2. Design defect – defects resulting from design and formulas. 3. Presentation defect – defects resulting from handling, making up, presentation or packing of the products. 4. Absence of Appropriate Warning – defect resulting from the insufficient or inadequate information on the use and hazards of the products.

Q: What is product and service liability?

Q: What are the defenses of a manufacturer and supplier?

A: Product Liability is the law which governs the liability of manufacturers and sellers for damages resulting from defective products. It is meant to protect the consumers by providing safeguards when they purchase or use consumer products. (Aquino, T., Torts and Damages, 2005, p.758)

A: Art. 97 of the Consumer Act provides thatthe manufacturer shall not be liable when it evidences: 1. That it did not place the product on the market; 2. That although it did place the product on the market such product has no defect; 3. That the consumer or the third party is solely at fault.

4. Defendant’s negligence? A: When the plaintiff is aware of the risk created by the defendant’s negligence, yet he voluntarily proceed to encounter it, there is implied assumption of risk on the part of the plaintiff. SPECIAL LIABILITY ON PARTICULAR ACTIVITIES

Q: What are the general principles to determine product liability? A: 1.

2. 3.

On the other hand, Art. 99 of said Act provides that the supplier shall not be liable when it is proven: 1. That there is no defect in the service rendered; 2. That the consumer or the third party is solely at fault.

Regardless of the ground on which liability is asserted, whether negligence, breach of warranty or strict liability in tort, a manufacturer or seller of a product cannot be held liable for injury allegedly caused in the absence of proof that the product was defective when it left the defendant’s possession or control and that the injury was proximately caused by the product Misuse of the product is a bar to recovery in a products liability case based on strict liability in tort Privity of contract is not a requisite to recovery in a products liability case based on breach of warranty

Q: What are the remedies of a consumer in the Consumer Act? A: Sec. 60 of the law expressly provides that the court may grant injunction restraining the conduct constituting the contravention of illegal sales act and practices and/or actual damages and such other orders as it thinks fit to redress injury to the person affected by such conduct.

Q: What is the Consumer Act (RA 7394)?

STRICT LIABILITY

A: Consumer Act prohibits fraudulent sales acts or practices. Chapter I of Title III expressly provides for protection against defective, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices. The Act likewise contains provisions imposing warranty obligations on the manufacturers and sellers. This Act also imposes liability for defective service “independently of fault”.

Q: When is there strict liability? A: There is strict liability if one is made independent of fault, negligence or intent after establishing certain facts specified by law. It includes liability for conversion and for injuries caused by animals, ultra-hazardous activities and nuisance.

Q: Who are the persons made liable under the Consumer Act?

POSSESSOR AND USER OF AN ANIMAL

A: The strict liability under the Act is imposed on the manufacturer.

Q: Who is liable for damages caused by animals? A: The possessor or whoever makes use of the animal is liable independent of fault.

Note: A manufacturer is any person who manufactures, assembles or processes consumer products, except that if the goods are manufactured, assembled or processed for another person who attaches his own brand name to the consumer products, the latter shall be deemed the manufacturer. In case of imported products,


Note: The only exception is when the damage is caused by force majeure or by the person who suffered the damage.

506

TORTS a. Nuisance Per Se – that kind of nuisance which is always a nuisance. By its nature, it is always a nuisance all the time under any circumstances regardless of location or surroundings.

Q: What are the rules on liability of owners for damage caused by his animals? A: 1. 2.

3.

4.

An owner is strictly liable for reasonably foreseeable damage done by a trespass of his animals. An owner is strictly liable to licensees and invitees for injuries caused by wild animals as long as the injured person did nothing to bring about the injury. An owner is not strictly liable for injuries caused by domestic animals unless he has knowledge of that particular animal's dangerous propensities that are not common to the species. Strict liability will generally not be imposed in favor of trespassers in the absence of the owner's negligence. An exception is recognized for injuries inflicted by vicious watchdogs.

That which is always a nuisance at all times and under all circumstances, wherever it may be located or found. b. Nuisance Per Accidens – that kind of nuisance by reason of location, surrounding or in a manner it is conducted or managed. c. Temporary – that kind which if properly attended does not constitute a nuisance. d. Permanent – that kind which by nature of structure creates a permanent inconvenience. e. Continuing – that kind which by its nature will continue to exist indefinitely unless abated f. Intermittent – that kind which recurs off and on may be discontinued anytime. g. Attractive Nuisance – one who maintains on his premises dangerous instrumentalities or appliances of a character likely to attract children in play, and who fails to exercise ordinary care to prevent children from playing therewith or resorting thereto, is liable to a child of tender years who is injured thereby, even if the child is technically a trespasser in the premises.

Q: What is the wild beast theory? A: A person who for his own purposes brings on his land and collects and keeps there anything likely to do mischief if it escapes, must keep it at his peril, and if he does not do so, is prima facie answerable for all the damages which is the natural consequence of its escape. It is therefore unnecessary for the plaintiff to prove negligence, and it is no defense for a defendant to prove that he has taken all possible precautions to prevent the damage (Ryland v. Fletcher, L.R. 1 Ex. 265; Pineda, Torts and Damages Annotated, 2004 ed.).

PUBLIC NUISANCE AND PRIVATE NUISANCE Q: What are the remedies against public nuisances?

NUISANCE A: 1. 2. 3.

Q: What is nuisance? A: A nuisance is any act, omission, establishment, business, condition of property, or any anything else which: 1) Injures or endangers the health or safety of others; or 2) Annoys or offends the senses; or 3) Shocks, defies or disregards decency or morality; or 4) Obstructs or interferes with free passage of any public highway or street or any body of water; or 5) Hinders or impairs the use of the property. (Art. 694, NCC)

Q: Who may avail of remedies? A: 1. 2.

Q: What are the kinds of nuisance? A: 1.

Prosecution under the RPC or any local ordinance; or Civil action; or Abatement, without judicial proceeding. (Article 699 of the New Civil Code)

As to the number of persons affected: a. Public (or common) – one that affects a community or neighborhood or any considerable number of persons although the extent of the annoyance, danger or damage upon individuals may be unequal. (Suarez, 2011, 223)

Public officers Private persons - if nuisance is specially injurious to himself, by removing or if necessary, by destroying the thing which constitutes the same, without committing a breach of the peace, or doing unnecessary injury, the ff. steps must be made: i. demand be first made upon owner or possessor of the property to abate the nuisance ii. that such demand has been rejected iii. that the abatement be approved by the district health officer and executed with the assistance of local police iv. that the value of destruction does not exceed P3,000 (Art. 704, NCC)

Q: What is a private nuisance? b. Private – is one which affects an individual or few persons only. 2.

A: One that affects an individual or a limited number of individuals only

Other classification:

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CIVIL LAW

Q: What are the remedies against private nuisances? A: 1. Civil action 2. Abatement, without judicial proceedings (Art. 705, NCC) Note: Any person injured by a private nuisance may abate it by removing, or if necessary, by destroying the thing which constitutes the nuisance, without committing a breach of the peace or doing unnecessary injury. However, it is indispensable that the procedure for extrajudicial abatement of a public nuisance by a private person be followed (Art. 707, NCC).

Q: When may a private person or a public official extrajudicially abating a nuisance liable for damages? A: If he causes and injury or if an alleged nuisance is later declared by courts to be not a real nuisance ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE Q: What is an attractive nuisance? A: A condition or appliance in question although in danger is apparent to those of age, is so enticing and alluring to children of tender years as induce them to approach, get on or use it and this attractiveness is an implied invitation to children. (Hidalgo Enterprises, Inc. v.Balandan, 91 Phil 488) Note: The attractiveness of the premises or of the dangerous instrumentality to children of tender years is to be considered as an implied invitation, which takes the children who accepted it out of the category of a trespasser and puts them in the category of invitees, towards whom the owner of the premises or instrumentality owes the duty of ordinary care Note: Nature has created streams, lakes and pools which attract children. Lurking in their waters is always the danger of drowning. Against this danger children are early instructed so that they are sufficiently presumed to know the danger; and if the owner of private property creates an artificial pool on his own property, merely duplicating the work of nature without adding any new danger, he is not liable because of having created an "attractive nuisance." (Hidalgo Enterprises, Inc. v.Balandan, 91 Phil 488)

Q: What is easement against nuisance? A: Easement against nuisance is established by Art. 682 – 683. It is intended to prohibit the proprietor or possessor of a building or land from committing nuisance therein through noise, jarring, offensive odor, smoke, heat, dust, water, glare, and other causes (Gonzalez-Decano, Notes on Torts & Damages Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, 2010, p166)


508

DAMAGES BOOK II – DAMAGES GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Q: What are damages? A: The pecuniary compensation, recompense or satisfaction for an injury sustained or as otherwise expressed the pecuniary consequences which the law imposes for the breach of some duty or violation of some rights. Note: A complaint for damages is personal in nature (personal action)

Q: What are the kinds of damages? A: MENTAL 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Moral Exemplary Nominal Temperate Actual Liquidated ACTUAL/ COMPENSATORY

MORAL

NOMINAL

According to purpose Actual or compensatory damages simply Awarded only to enable the injured party make good or replace the loss caused by to obtain means, diversion or the wrong. amusement that will alleviate the moral suffering he has undergone, by reason of defendants culpable action. (Robleza v. CA, 174 SCRA 354)

Vindicating or recognizing the injured party’s right to a property that has been violated or invaded. (Tan v. Bantegui, 473 SCRA 663)

According to manner of determination Claimant must produce competent proof or the best evidence obtainable such as receipts to justify an award therefore. Actual or compensatory damages cannotbe presumed but must be proved with reasonable certainty. (People v. Ereno, Feb. 22, 2000)

No proof of pecuniary loss is necessary. The assessment is left to the discretion of the court according to the circumstances of each case. However, there must be proof that the defendant caused physical suffering, mental anguish, moral shock, etc. (Compania Maritima v. Allied Free Worker’s Union, G.R. No. L-31379, Aug. 29, 1988).

No proof of pecuniary loss is necessary. Proof that a legal right has been violated is what is only required. Usually awarded in the absence of proof of actual damages.

Actual damages must be substantiated by documentary evidence, such as receipts, in order to prove expenses incurred as a result of the death of the victim or the physical injuries sustained by the victim. (Philippine Hawk Corporation v. Vivian Tan Lee,G.R. No. 166869, Feb. 16, 2010)

GR: Factual basis must be alleged. Aside from the need for the claimant to satisfactorily prove the existence of the factual basis of the damages, it is also necessary to prove its causal relation to the defendant’s act (Raagas v. Trava, G.R. No. L-20081, Feb. 27,1968; People v. Manero, G.R. Nos. 86883-85, Jan. 29, XPN: Damages for loss of earning 1993). capacity may be awarded despite the absence of documentary evidence when: XPN: Criminal cases. Moral damages (1) the deceased is self-employed and may be awarded to the victim in criminal earning less than the minimum wage proceedings in such amount as the court under current labor laws, in which case, deems just without need for pleading or judicial notice may be taken of the fact proof of the basis thereof (People v. that in the deceased's line of work no Paredes, July 30, 1998). The amount of

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CIVIL LAW

documentary evidence is available; or (2) P50,000 is usually awarded by the Court the deceased is employed as a daily wage in case of the occurrence of death worker earning less than the minimum wage under current labor laws (Philippine Hawk Corporation v. Vivian Tan Lee, G.R. 166869, Feb. 16, 2010). Special/Ordinary Ordinary

Special

Note: Ordinary Damages are those generally inherent in a breach of a typical contract

Note: Special Damages are those which exist because of special circumstances and for which a debtor in good faith can be held liable if he had been previously informed of such circumstances.


510

Special

DAMAGES TEMPERATE

EXEMPLARY/ CORRECTIVE

LIQUIDATED According to purpose

When the court is convinced that there has been such a loss, the judge is empowered to calculate moderate damages rather than let the complainant suffer without redress. (GSIS v. LabungDeang, 365 SCRA 341)

Liquidated damages are frequently agreed upon by the parties, either by way of penalty or in order to avoid controversy on the amount of damages.

Exemplary or corrective damages are intended to serve as a deterrent to serious wrongdoings. (People v. Orilla, 422 SCRA 620)

According to manner of determination May be recovered when the court finds that some pecuniary loss has been suffered but its amount cannot, from the nature of the case, be proved with certainty. No proof of pecuniary loss is necessary.

If intended as a penalty in obligations with a penal cause, proof of actual damages suffered by the creditor is not necessary in order that the penalty may be demanded (Art. 1228, NCC). No proof of pecuniary loss is necessary.

1. That the claimant is entitled to moral, temperate or compensatory damages; and 2. That the crime was committed with 1 or more aggravating circumstances, or the quasi-delict was committed with gross negligence, or in contracts and quasi-contracts the act must be accompanied by bad faith or done in wanton, fraudulent, oppressive or malevolent manner. No proof of pecuniary loss is necessary.

Special/Ordinary Special

Special

Special

Note: Liquidated damages take the place of actual damages except when additional damages are incurred.

ACTUAL AND COMPENSATORY DAMAGES Q: What are actual or compensatory damages? A: It comprehends not only the value of the loss suffered but also that of the profits which the obligee failed to obtain. The amount should be that which would put the plaintiff in the same position as he would have been if he had not sustained the wrong for which he is now getting compensation or reparation. To recover damages, the amount of loss must not only be capable of proof but must actually be proven. Q: What is the purpose of the law in awarding actual damages?

2.

Forfeiture of bonds in favor of the government for the purpose of promoting public interest or policy (Far Eastern Surety and Insurance Co. v. Court of Appeals, 104 Phil 702)

3.

Loss is presumed (Manzanares v.Moreta, 38 Phil 821)

4.

When the penalty clause is agreed upon in the contract between the parties (Art. 1226)

Q: What is the distinction between civil liability ex delicto and actual or compensatory damages?

A: Its purpose is to repair the wrong that has been done, to compensate for the injury inflicted, and not to impose a penalty. (Algarra v.Sandejas, 27 Phil 284)

Civil Indemnity Ex Delicto Can be awarded without need of further proof than the fact od commission of the felony.

Q: Is it necessary that loss be proved? A: GR: Loss must be proved before one can be entitled to damages. XPN: Loss need not be proved in the following cases: 1. Liquidated damages previously agreed upon (Art. 2226)

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Actual or Compensatory Damages To be recoverable must additionally be established with reasonable degree of certainty (People v. Dianos, 297 SCRA 191)


CIVIL LAW Q: What is the required proof for actual damages?

Thus, life expectancy is, not only relevant, but, also, an important element in fixing the amount recoverable, although it is not the sole element determinative of said amount.

A: It is necessary that the claimant produces competent proof or the best evidence obtainable such as receipts to justify an award therefore. Actual or compensatory damages cannot be presumed but must be proved with reasonable certainty (People v. Ereno, Feb. 22, 2000)

Note: The formula that has gained acceptance over time has limited recovery to net earning capacity. The premise is obviously that net earning capacity is the person’s capacity to acquire money, less the necessary expense for his own living (Philtranco Service Enterprises v. Felix Paras and Inland Trailways Inc. G.R. No. 161909, April 25, 2012).

Any person who seeks to be awarded actual or compensatory damages due to acts of another has the burden of proving said damages as well as the amount thereof. Actual damages cannot be allowed unless supported by evidence on the record. The court cannot rely on speculations, conjectures or guesswork as to the fact and amount of damages (Banas, Jr. v. CA, Feb. 10, 2000)

Q: Is it proper for the heirs to claim as damages the full amount of earnings of the deceased? A: No. Said damages consist, not of the full amount of his earnings, but of the support they received or would have received from him had he not died in consequence of the negligence of the bus' agent. Stated otherwise, the amount recoverable is not loss of the entire earning, but rather the loss of that portion of the earnings which the beneficiary would have received. In other words, only net earnings, not gross earning, are to be considered.

Q: What are the kinds of actual or compensatory damages? A: 1.

Damnun Emergens (actual damages) – the value of the actual pecuniary loss for what the claimant already possesses before the incident which must be supported by receipts or the best evidence available.

In fixing the amount of that support, the "necessary expenses of his own living" should be deducted from his earnings. Earning capacity, as an element of damages to one's estate for his death by wrongful act, is necessarily his net earning capacity or his capacity to acquire money, less the necessary expense for his own living (Villa Rey Transit, Inc. v. CA, et al., G.R. No. L-25499, Feb. 18, 1970).

2. Lucrum cessans (compensatory damages) –the expected profits which were not realized by reason of the act of the offender or tortfeasor (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, 163-164) Note: As a rule, documentary evidence should be presented to substantiate the claim for damages for loss of earning capacity. By way of exception, damages for loss of earning capacity may be awarded despite the absence of documentary evidence when: (1) the deceased is self-employed and earning less than the minimum wage under current labor laws, in which case, judicial notice may be taken of the fact that in the deceased's line of work no documentary evidence is available; or (2) the deceased is employed as a daily wage worker earning less than the minimum wage under current labor laws.(Philippine Hawk Corporation v. Vivian Tan Lee, G.R. 166869, Feb. 16, 2010)

Q: Can both actual and compensatory damages be granted at the same time to the plaintiff? A: Yes. As provided for in Art 2200, indemnification for damages shall comprehend not only the value of the loss suffered, or actual damages (damnum emergens), but also that of the profits which the obligee failed to obtain or compensatory damages (lucrum cessans). In other words, there are two components to actual damages. (RCPI vs. CA, 103 SCRA 359)

Q: What must be considered in determining the amount of damages recoverable?

ATTORNEY’S FEES AND EXPENSES OF LITIGATION Q: What are the two concepts of attorney’s fees? Distinguish one from the other.

A: Much is left to the discretion of the court considering the moral and material damages involved. There can be no exact or uniform rule for measuring the value of a human life. The amount recoverable depends on the particular facts and circumstances of each case.

A: 1. 2.

The life expectancy of the deceased or of the beneficiary, whichever is shorter, is an important factor. Other factors that are usually considered are: 1. Pecuniary loss to plaintiff or beneficiary; 2. Loss of support; 3. Loss of service; 4. Loss of society; 5. Mental suffering of beneficiaries; and 6. Medical and funeral expenses.

Ordinary Extraordinary

ORDINARY The reasonable compensation paid to a lawyer for the legal services rendered to a client who has engaged him The fact of employment


EXTRAORDINARY Nature

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An indemnity for damages ordered by the court to be paid by the losing to the prevailing party in litigation Basis Any cases authorized by law

DAMAGES EXTENT OR SCOPE OF ACTUAL DAMAGES

of the lawyer by the client To whom payable Lawyer Client

IN CONTRACTS AND QUASI-CONTRACTS Q: What should be the amount of actual damages?

Q:To what does Art. 2208 pertain? A: The amount should be that which would put the plaintiff in the same position as he would have been if he had not sustained the wrong for which he is now getting compensation or reparation. 1. Property – value at the time of destruction, or market value, plus, in proper cases, damages for the loss of use during the period before replacement, value of use of premises, in case of mere deprivation of possession.

A: Art. 2208 pertains to extraordinary attorney’s fees. They are actual damages due to the plaintiff. Plaintiff must allege the basis of his claim for attorney’s fees in the complaint. Q: Are attorney’s fees recoverable as actual damages? A: GR: Not recoverable. XPN: SWISS- MUD- ERC 1. Stipulation between parties 2. Recovery of Wages of household helpers, laborers and skilled workers 3. Actions for Indemnity under workmen's compensation and employer liability laws 4. Legal Support actions 5. Separate civil action to recover civil liability arising from crime 6. Malicious prosecution 7. Clearly Unfounded civil action or proceeding against plaintiff 8. When Double judicial costs are awarded 9. When Exemplary damages are awarded 10. Defendant acted in gross & evident bad faith in Refusing to satisfy plaintiff's just & demandable claim 11. When defendant's act or omission Compelled plaintiff to litigate with 3rd persons or incur expenses to protect his interest

2.

Personal injury- medical expenses; If the qualifying circumstance is present to justify the imposition of death penalty, the civil indemnity should be no less than P75,000. If the rape is simple rape, the civil indemnity is P50,000 (People v. Banago, 309 SCRA 417) Note: Civil indemnity is mandatory upon the finding of the fact of rape and is automatically imposed upon the accused without need of proof other than the fact of the commission of the rape. (People v. Lacerna, 309 SCRA 250)

Note: If not pleaded and prayed for in the complaint, attorney’s fees are barred. (Tin Po v. Bautista, 103 SCRA 388)

3.

Death – Wake and burial expenses, P P75,000 by way of civil indemnity ex delicto which requires no proof other than the fact of death of the victim and the assailant’s responsibility therefor. (People v.Tabarnero, 693 SCRA 495 )

4.

Physical Injuries – Moral damages of P30,000may be recovered by way of civil indemnity. (Guillang v. Bedania. G.R. No. 162987, May 21, 2009)

Q:Can actual damages be mitigated?

Q: Will the amount of attorney’s fees affect the jurisdiction of the court?

A: Yes, in the following cases: 1. For Contracts: a. Violation of terms of the contract by the plaintiff himself; b. Enjoyment of benefit under the contract by the plaintiff himself; c. Defendant acted upon advice of counsel in cases where the exemplary damages are to be awarded such as under Articles 2230, 2231 and 2232; d. Defendant has done his best to lessen the plaintiff’s injury or loss. 2. For Quasi-contracts: a. In cases where exemplary damages are to be awarded such as in Article 2232; b. Defendant has done his best to lessen the plaintiff’s injury or loss. 3. For Quasi-delicts: a. That the loss would have resulted in any event because of the negligence or omission of another, and where such negligence or

A: No. If the claim is pursued in the very action where the services were rendered, the court may pass upon said claim, even if its amount were less than the minimum prescribed by law for the jurisdiction of said court, upon the theory that the right to recover attorney’s fees is but an incident of the case in which the services of the counsel have been rendered. The rule against multiplicity of suits will in effect be subserved. (Pan Pacific Co. v. Advt. Corp., 132 Phil 446) Note: Moral damages and attorney’s fees cannot be consolidated for they are different in nature and each must be separately determined. (Philippine Veterans Bank v. NLRC, 317 SCRA 510)

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CIVIL LAW Note: No interest shall be adjudged on unliquidated claims or damages except when or until the demand can be established with reasonable certainty. (Solid Homes, Inc. v. IAC, 508 SCRA 165)

omission is the immediate and proximate cause of the damage or injury; b. Defendant has done his best to lessen the plaintiff’s injury or loss. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.222-223)

MORAL DAMAGES Q: What do moral damages include?

IN CRIMES AND QUASI-DELICTS

A: It includes physical suffering, mental anguish, fright, serious anxiety, besmirched reputation, wounded feelings, moral shock, social humiliation, and similar injury. (Art. 2217, NCC)

Q: What is the amount of damages in cases where death resulted from a crime or quasi-delict? A: Art. 2206 provides that the amount of damages for death caused by a crime or quasi-delict shall be at least P75, 000, even though there may have been mitigating circumstances. (People v. Tabarnero, 693 SCRA 495)

Q: What is the nature of moral damages? A: Although incapable of pecuniary estimation, they are in the category of an award designed to compensate the claimant for actual injury suffered and not to impose a penalty on the wrong does. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p. 229)

In addition to the amount to be awarded, the defendant shall also be liable for the following: 1.

2.

Loss of the earning capacity of the deceased, and the indemnity shall be paid to the heirs of the latter; such indemnity shall in every case be assessed and awarded by the court, unless the deceased on account of permanent physical disability not caused by the defendant, had no earning capacity at the time of his death;

Q: Why are moral damages awarded? A: They are awarded to enable the injured party to obtain means, diversions or amusement that will serve to alleviate the moral suffering he has undergone by reason of the defendant’s culpable action. (Prudenciado v. Alliance Transport System, Inc., 148 SCRA 440)

If the deceased was obliged to give support according to the provisions of Article 291, the recipient who is not an heir called to the decedent's inheritance by the law of testate or intestate succession, may demand support from the person causing the death, for a period not exceeding five years, the exact duration to be fixed by the court;

Q: How can the plaintiff recover moral damages? A: GR: The plaintiff must allege and prove: 1. The factual basis for moral damages and 2. The causal relation to the defendant’s act XPN: Moral damages may be awarded to the victim in criminal proceedings without the need for pleading of proof or the basis thereof.

Note: The article only mentioned heir. Consequently, it cannot speak of devisees and legatees who are receiving support from the deceased.

3.

Q: When are moral damages recoverable?

The spouse, legitimate and illegitimate descendants and ascendants of the deceased may demand moral damages for mental anguish by reason of the death of the deceased.

A: Moral damages may be recovered in the following and analogous cases: 1. A criminal offense resulting in physical injuries; 2. Quasi-delicts causing physical injuries; 3. Seduction, abduction, rape, or other lascivious acts; 4. Adultery or concubinage; 5. Illegal or arbitrary detention or arrest; 6. Illegal search; 7. Libel, slander or any other form of defamation; 8. Malicious prosecution; 9. Acts mentioned in Article 309; and 10. Actions referred to in Articles 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, and 35. (Art. 2219, NCC)

Note: The petitioner has correctly relied on the holding in Receiver for North Negros Sugar Company, Inc. v. Ybañez (G.R. No. L-22183, August 30, 1968), to the effect that in case of death caused by quasi-delict, the brother of the deceased was not entitled to the award of moral damages based on Article 2206 of the Civil Code. (Sulpicio Lines Inc. v. Curso, et. al., G.R. No. 157009, Mar. 17, 2010)

Q: When can interest be part of damages? A: In crimes and quasi-delicts, the court may appropriately impose interest on the amount of the damages adjudicated by the court. The basis of interest is the legal rate which is 6% per annum. (Art. 2209)


Note: To award moral damages, a court must be satisfied with proof of the following: 1. an injury – whether physical, mental or psychological; 2. a culpable act or omission factually established; 3. a wrongful act or omission of the defendant as the proximate cause of the injury sustained by the claimant;

514

DAMAGES 4.

the award of damages predicated on any of the cases stated in Art. 2219.

damages cannot stand since the Civil Code provides that exemplary damages are imposed in addition to moral, temperate, liquidated or compensatory damages. Finally, since the award of moral and exemplary damages is no longer justified, the award of attorney's fees and expenses of litigation is left without basis. (Buenaventura v. CA,G.R. No. 127358, Mar. 31, 2005)

Art. 2219, NCC speaks provides for criminal offense resulting from physical injuries and quasi-delicts causing physical injuries.

Q: Is there any instance wherein the plaintiff may not prove the factual basis for moral damages as well as the causal relation to the defendant’s act?

NOMINAL DAMAGES

A: Yes. In criminal proceedings for rape.

Q: What is the purpose of nominal damages?

Requisites: 1. There must be an injury whether physical, mental or psychological, clearly sustained by the claimant 2. There must be culpable act or omission 3. Such act or omission is the proximate cause of the injury 4. The damage is predicated on the cases cited in Art. 2219

A: In order that a right of the plaintiff which has been violated or invaded by the defendant may be vindicated or recognized, and not for the purpose of indemnifying the plaintiff for any loss suffered by him. Note: Elements: 1. Plaintiff has a right; 2. Such right is violated; 3. The purpose of awarding damages is to vindicate or recognize the right violated.

Q: In rape cases, is civil indemnity the same with moral damages?

Q: In what cases are nominal damages awarded?

A: No, civil indemnity is different from moral damages. It is distinct from and should not be denominated as moral damages which are based on different jural foundations and assessed by the court in the exercise of sound discretion (People v. Caldona, G.R. No. 126019, Mar. 1, 2001).

A: Nominal damages are small sums fixed by the court without regard to the extent of the harm done to the injured party.They are damages in name only and are allowed simply in recognition of a technical injury based on a violation of a legal right. Note: Nominal damages cannot co-exist with actual or compensatory damages because nominal damages are recoverable when the damages suffered cannot be proved with reasonable certainty. The law presumes damage although actual or compensatory damages are not proven. Award of actual, moral, temperate or moderate damages preclude nominal damages. But it may be awarded together with attorney’s fees. (Pineda, pp. 284285, 2009 )

Q: What are those tortuous acts referred to in Articles 21, 26, 27, 28.29, 32, 34 and 35 of the NCC, wherein the plaintiff may recover moral damages? A: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Willful acts contrary to morals, good customs or public policy Disrespect to the dignity, personality, privacy and peace of mind of neighbors and other persons Refusal or neglect of a public servant to perform his official duty without just cause Unfair competition in enterprise or in labor Civil action for damages against accused acquitted on reasonable doubt Violation of civil rights Civil action for damages against city or municipal police force When the trial court finds no reasonable ground to believe that a crime has been committed after a preliminary investigation or when the prosecutor refuses or fails to institute criminal proceedings.

TEMPERATE OR MODERATE DAMAGES Q: What are temperate damages? A: Those damages, which are more than nominal but less than compensatory, and may be recovered when the court finds that some pecuniary loss has been suffered but its amount cannot be proved with certainty. Note: Elements: 1. Some pecuniary loss; 2. Loss is incapable of pecuniary estimation; 3. The damages awarded are reasonable.

Q: What is the rationale behind the temperate or moderate damages?

Q: May moral and exemplary damages be granted if a marriage was dissolved on the ground of psychological incapacity?

A: The rationale is precisely that from the nature of the case, definite proof of pecuniary loss cannot be offered. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.288)

A: By declaring petitioner as psychologically incapacitated, the possibility of awarding moral damages was negated, which should have been proved by specific evidence that it was done deliberately. Thus, as the grant of moral damages was not proper, it follows that the grant of exemplary

Note: In the absence of competent proof of the actual damage caused on the motorcycle or the actual cost of its repair, the award of temperate damages by the appellate court in the amount of P10,000.00 was reasonable under the circumstances. (Philippine

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CIVIL LAW Hawk Corporation v. Vivian Tan Lee, G.R. No. 166869, Feb. 16, 2010)

3. Contracts and Quasi-contracts – when defendant acted in wanton, fraudulent, reckless, oppressive, or malevolent manner (Art. 2232)

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES Q: What are the requirements for an award of exemplary damages?

Q: What are liquidated damages?

A: 1.

A: These are fixed damages previously agreed by the parties to the contract and payable to the innocent party in case of breach by the other. (Pineda, Torts and Damages, 2009, p.292)

2.

Q: When may liquidated damages be equitably reduced? 3. A: 1. Iniquitous or unconscionable 2. Partial or irregular performance

The claimant’s right to exemplary damages has been established Their determination depends upon the amount of compensatory damages that may be awarded to the claimant The act must be accompanied by bad faith or done in wanton, fraudulent, oppressive or malevolent manner. (National Steel Corp., v. RTC of Lanao del Norte, Br.2, Iligan City, 304 SCRA 597) DAMAGES IN CASE OF DEATH

Q: What is the rule governing in case of breach of contract?

Q: What are the damages that can be recovered in case of death?

A: Art. 2228, NCC, provides that when the breach of contract committed by the defendant is not the one contemplated by the parties in agreeing upon the liquidated damages, the law shall determine the measure of damages, and not the stipulation.

3

A: MEA-I 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

EXEMPLARY OR CORRECTIVE DAMAGES Q: What are exemplary damages?

Q: What is the rule with regard to crimes and quasi-delicts causing death?

A: Also known as “punitive” or “vindictive” damages. These are imposed by way of example or correction for the public good, in addition to the moral, temperate, liquidated or compensatory damages;

A: In case of death, the plaintiff is entitled to the amount that he spent during the wake and funeral of the deceased. However, it has been ruled that expenses after the burial are not compensable.

Q: What is the rationale behind exemplary damages? A: Exemplary damages are required by public policy, for wanton acts must be suppressed. They are an antidote so the poison of wickedness may not run through the body politic(Diaz vsAmante, 104 Phil 968).They are intended to serve as a deterrent to serious wrongdoings and as a vindication of undue sufferings and wanton of invasion of the rights of an injured or a punishment for those guilty of outrageous conduct. (People v. Catubig, 363 SCRA 621)

Note: The amount of damages for death caused by a crime or quasi-delict shall be at least three thousand pesos, even though there may have been mitigating circumstances. In addition: 1. The defendant shall be liable for the loss of the earning capacity of the deceased, and the indemnity shall be paid to the heirs of the latter; such indemnity shall in every case be assessed and awarded by the court, unless the deceased on account of permanent physical disability not caused by the defendant, had no earning capacity at the time of his death; 2. If the deceased was obliged to give support according to the provisions of Article 291, the recipient who is not an heir called to the decedent's inheritance by the law of testate or intestate succession, may demand support from the person causing the death, for a period not exceeding five years, the exact duration to be fixed by the court; 3. The spouse, legitimate and illegitimate descendants and ascendants of the deceased may demand moral damages for mental anguish by reason of the death of the deceased. (Art. 2206, NCC)

Q: In what cases may exemplary damages be imposed as accessory damages? A: GR: Exemplary damages cannot be recovered as a matter of right (Art. 2233, NCC) XPN: They can be imposed in the following cases: 1. Criminal offense – when the crime was committed with one or more aggravating circumstances (Art. 2230) 2. Quasi-delicts – when the defendant acted with gross negligence (Art. 2231)


Moral damages Exemplary damages Attomey's fees and expenses for litigation Indemnity for death Indemnity for loss of earning capacity Interest in proper cases

516

DAMAGES GRADUATION OF DAMAGES

MISCELLANEOUS RULES

Q: What is the rule in graduation of damages in torts cases?

Q: What is the duty of the injured party? A: The injured party is obligated to undertake measures that will alleviate and not aggravate his condition after the infliction of the injury or nuisance. The injured party has the burden of explaining why he did not do so (Art. 2203, NCC).

A: Generally, the degree of care required is graduated according to the danger a person or property attendant upon the activity which the actor pursues or the instrumentality he uses. The greater the danger the greater the degree of care required.

Q: What are the damages that cannot co-exist, must coexist and must stand alone?

However, foreseeability is not the same as probability. Even if there is lesser degree of probability that damage will result, the damage may still be considered foreseeable.

A: Damages that cannot coexist

Note: The test as respects foreseeability is not the balance of probabilities, but the existence, in the situation in hand, of some real likelihood of some damage and the likelihood is of such appreciable weight and moment to induce, or which reasonably should induce, action to avoid it on the part of a person or a reasonably prudent mind.

Nominal Damages cannot co-exist with Exemplary Damages

Q: How are damages adjudicated in case of crimes? A: In crimes, the damages to be adjudicated may be respectively increased or lessened according to the aggravating or mitigating circumstances (Art. 2204, NCC)

Damages that must co-exist

Damages that must stand alone

Exemplary Damages must co-exist with Moral, Temperate, Liquidated or Compensatoy Damages

Nominal Damages

Q: When can damages be reduced in quasi-delict? A: The contributory negligence of the plaintiff shall reduce the damages he may recover. (Art. 2214, NCC) Q: When can the court equitably mitigate the damages in contract, quasi-contracts and quasi-delicts? A: The court can mitigate the damages in the following instances other than in Art. 2214: 1. That the plaintiff himself has contravened the terms of the contract 2. That the plaintiff has derived some benefit as a result of the contract 3. In cases where exemplary damages are to be awarded, that the defendant acted upon the advice of counsel 4. That the loss would have resulted in any event 5. That since the filing of the action, the defendant has done his best to lessen the plaintiff’s loss or injury. (Art. 2215, NCC) Q: When can liquidated damages be equitably reduced? A: Liquidated damages, whether intended as an indemnity or a penalty, shall be equitably reduced if they are iniquitous or unconscionable (Art. 2227, NCC).

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Ust 2013 Golden Notes-civil Law (1) old version

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